tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37103912024-03-16T01:09:48.358+00:00domeheidA personal blog and commonplace book by Christopher WhalenChristopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.comBlogger682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-36649415466909330582023-09-16T17:57:00.019+01:002023-09-19T14:28:33.433+01:00My 2022 10Q answersEvery year since 2010, I've taken part in <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">10Q</a>, a Jewish-inspired process of self-reflection.<br />
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Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">2017</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">2018</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2020/09/my-2019-10q-answers.html">2019</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">2020</a>, and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2022/09/my-2021-10q-answers.html">2021</a>. These are my answers from 2022:<br />
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<h2>
Day 1:</h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Although COVID-19 is still circulating, since around May or June this year, things have returned to normal. No more restrictions. No more face coverings. I'm also much more relaxed about it. One of the tipping points was actually that Fran caught it, a week before we were due to go to Wales on our annual holiday to celebrate my birthday, and then I got it (presumably from her). I was testing negative the whole time until the morning we were due to travel. We drifted in limbo for most of that week. But, eventually, when I'd passed the 5-day mark for self-isolation, we decided to drive to Wales to spend at least a few days with my brother, Richard, and his girlfriend, Zoe. I didn't hug them when we met and kept my distance for the first day or so, and then relaxed into it a bit more.<br />
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Since then, it has been nice to return to normal: to be able to go out without having a face covering; to go into shops and restaurants without pausing to put on the face covering and desanitize my hands. The media also stopped covering it; the government stopped holding press conferences; the statistics agencies stopped tallying up infections and deaths.<br />
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I wondered at the time if our then-prime minister, Boris Johnson, was rushing forward the end of restrictions to cause a distraction from the partygate scandal. Stories kept trickling out of the parties that were going on in 10 Downing Street during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, parties that the PM claimed he didn't know about or didn't attend or didn't realize were parties and not work events. What eventually ended his reign was another Tory MP groping two men at a private members' club.<br />
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I've been much more engaged in the news this year - particularly during the first few weeks of the Tory leadership contest. I'm often intrigued by these moments of transition in public life; and then disappointed by their outcomes.<br />
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But, yeah, I guess we're through the worst of the pandemic. It took 2+ years. Life hasn't returned to what it was before because I left my job. I'm freelance, working from home. Furlough during the first three months of the pandemic disrupted my habit of working, that I still haven't really got back. In some ways, I'm grateful for it because I'm earning enough to get by and only have to work 2-4 hours a day. Yes, I'm using some of my savings from time to time because I don't invoice regularly and I'm adjusting to new habits of putting money aside for tax and pension, still finding a system that works for me and keeps a comfortable cashflow.<br />
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But I'm grateful that my family survived. Relieved that the fear has mostly gone. Now we're seeing the long-term effects that increased public spending and numerous lockdowns have had on the economy and the morale of the workforce. It feels like everything in the UK is breaking down. Because I'm reading the news more, I think it is affecting me a bit. People are worried about the cost of living, about higher energy prices, inflation around 9.9%; about a government that has decided to cut taxes that mostly benefit the rich. I think it might be time to take another break from the news and only get a trickle that comes through Fran and my occasional ventures on to social media.<br />
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I've definitely broken my Facebook habit. I hardly ever go on there. I don't have the app on my phone. I also don't have Instagram and Twitter. Over the last few weeks (partly due to finding like-minded opinions over the death of the Queen), I've spent more time on Twitter, but only over the browser, not through the app. I don't want to lose too much time over that. I will try to read more instead.<br />
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I have continued to <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2006/09/books-i-have-read.html">read a lot and listen to audiobooks</a>. I read (listened to) <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52057410-the-communist-manifesto">The Communist Manifesto</a></i> this year. That, along with the striking unions, and reading books like <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62001957-culture-and-imperialism">Culture and Imperialism</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50248867-midnight-s-children">Midnight's Children</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61753493-the-moor-s-last-sigh">The Moor's Last Sigh</a></i> have made me think a lot more about colonialism and the negative impact of the British empire and how unfair the capitalist system is. I've really enjoyed listening to Mick Lynch, the leader of the RMT union, talk simply and powerfully about fair pay and conditions. Enough is enough. Am I ready for revolution? If you read enough in the <i>Guardian</i> and on Twitter, it does make you realize how angry people are with the state of the world and the environment. I do wonder if there could be a mass uprising. Or maybe people could just vote the fuckers out. What Liz Truss is doing now is hopefully going to make it easier for Labour and the other progressive parties to campaign against them at the next general election.<br />
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I've been daydreaming about moving further north, perhaps to Scotland, to escape the rising temperatures and get away from all these English people. Fran found the 40ºC heat this summer hard to cope with. I look around and wonder who is voting for the Tories. Are these the people I want to be living with? I think of all the twats I met through rugby, all the built-up resentment of my Scottishness against the arrogance of the English rugby team and their supporters.<br />
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I hated all the obsequious public grieving that went on during the 10+ days of national mourning after the death of the Queen. It finally ended last Monday with her funeral. It was insane. I respect people's right to behave how they want, but I did wonder how much it was manipulated by the media - particularly the BBC, which I normally respect and admire. I avoided the blanket coverage. I want to form my own opinions, not be told how to feel. I'm also cynical about how the Queen just has the best PR. We only saw a very edited and mediated view of what she was like.<br />
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As you can tell, I'm feeling a bit low and angry at the world at the moment. Perhaps it's just the return to autumn, darker days, a heartless government, too much Twitter and news, not enough sunlight. I can create my own little world with Fran and only consume things that make me feel better. But I think I always find this time of year difficult. That's why it's such a good time to sit down and reflect. But I do feel that familiar melancholy and ache of sadness that can't really be explained; a painful look back at who I used to be and who I am now. Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be fine. It's just a phase. This, too, shall pass.<br />
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<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm proud at the amount I'm managing to read. I started reading more at the beginning of 2021 and the habit has stuck. Listening to audiobooks and having an Audible subscription really helps. When I was revising for my English Finals in 2004, I started keeping a <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2005/06/books-to-read-after-finals.html">list of books I wanted to read after Finals</a>. I had read a handful of these, but this year I've started to work my way through it. If I don't finish it this year, I should be able to finish it next year. I'm more than halfway through it. There are 38 items on the list and I've got 15 left, but some of these are multiple books by the same author, so it's really 17 out of 45 left. It will feel great to get through it, finally (it's only taken 20 years!). Although there's one book on it that I'm not sure is socially acceptable to read. Fran has certainly expressed her concerns about it: <i>Mein Kampf</i> by Adolf Hitler. I've managed to find a free download of it online. There's an awkward dilemma for publishers about what to do with the money from sales of the book and I suppose it's not widely available to buy. There's a part of me that still wants to read it. I don't think it will convert me to Nazism or to sympathize more with Hitler. I'm just curious to see what it's actually like. I've read that it's a tough read and not very well written. Maybe that will the symbolic, unread book on my list.<br />
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When I finish that list, the next task will be to read through the backlog of books I'm looking at now on the shelf in my study. These are usually birthday and Christmas presents; plus the unread books on my Kindle. I feel a bit bad that people have thought I'd like a book and then I haven't even read it. I always want people to read the books I give them straight away. There are unhad conversations. Will that pile ever diminish? The next thing after that would be the virtual shelf of books I want to read on Goodreads. It's wonderful that there will always be more books that I want to read. But I am a completist, so it's also nice to work my way through some of these lists. It's very satisfying and motivating, seeing these books stack up.<br />
<br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/29325498">In 2021, I read 62 books</a>. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/31526533">This year, I set a target of 52</a> (one book a week), and I've already read 50 with 3 more in progress. I've got a secret target of wanting to read more than I did last year. We'll see how I get on with that. I do seem to slow down in the autumn due to the NFL season with more late nights and more podcasts to listen to instead of audiobooks.<br />
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What do I wish I had done differently? There's always a part of me that feels guilty for not doing more work. I'm still earning enough as a freelance to pay my way, but my projects do take longer than they need to. I'm not always (I'm usually not) motivated to work full days. I'm lucky if I can do 4 hours. But then I'm also very lucky that I don't have to work full-time. When I fill in online forms, I've been putting that I'm self-employed and work part-time because I really can't call what I'm doing full-time work.<br />
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What else am I proud of? Reading back through <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2022/09/my-2021-10q-answers.html">last year's answers</a>, we've done a lot of stuff to the house that I said we'd wanted to achieve: put up pictures; built shelves in the rainwater harvesting cupboard; the garage and garden shed shelves have survived a winter without going mouldy, so all that painting I did last summer was not in vain! I've sorted out the cables on my study desk and on Fran's, so that they're all neatly organized and tucked away. Fran's study is also a lot more organized and less cluttered than it was. We've also got a lot more house plants and we're taking better care of them. We have put the house to rights. We call it Project Nice.<br />
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I'm also proud that I've lost a bit of weight again. The healthcare assistant mentioned I might want to try the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48729913-the-fast-diet">5:2 fast diet (intermittent fasting)</a> when I went for my annual check-up in June. <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">I lost a good bit of weight doing the 12-week NHS weight loss plan back in 2020</a>, but I slowly put it back on again by relaxing my eating habits. I've lost 5.8kg in three months by fasting two days a week. I started doing Mondays and Thursdays; now I'm doing Tuesdays and Thursdays. On those fast days, I only eat 600 calories. It tends to be more manageable if I skip breakfast and then have lunch after midday. It's not as hard as I thought it might be. I want to see how far I can go before my weight hits a natural plateau. Somewhere around 80-85kg would be good. I'm currently 91.8kg. If I hit that target weight, I can go down to one fast day a week to maintain it long-term.<br />
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<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
A few things spring to mind. Fran's dad, Tom, was in hospital for 10 days earlier this month. He hadn't been feeling well for a few weeks. I'd noticed he wasn't on good form when trying to talk him through how to get BritBox on his TV. He didn't seem as sharp as he normally is and was struggling to follow basic technical instructions. He was also in pain when kneeling on the floor in front of the TV. Eventually, after a few visits to his GP, Ros (Fran's mum), took him to A&E in Salisbury. They kept him in a ward for a few days, waiting for a specialist to drain some fluid from his abdomen. It's all a bit of blur, but on a Thursday things escalated. He seems to have a tumour in his bowel: a T4 tumour, which means it has penetrated through the outer wall. For a few days we thought this might be stage 4 cancer (the most advanced stage, when the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the lungs and liver); but then that was retracted. Perhaps a misunderstanding of T4 vs stage 4. Anyway, it's pretty serious. But Tom's health improved as the drain did its work. We went to see him on a Sunday afternoon and took Aunty Flop with us (his sister). It was quite a jolly gathering, at times. We took him outside in a wheelchair to get some fresh air and sunshine. He was quite distressed by one of the other men on his ward. He kept his voice to a whisper because he didn't want to give him ammunition or attract attention.<br />
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Fran was quite upset when we were first told about the cancer. But she seems to be coping with it. I'm also saddened by it. Maybe it's a contributor to my general malaise at the moment. But the good news is that Tom's back home, where he so desperately wanted to be: away from the hospital. It's not a very restful place on the ward. He wasn't sleeping well and desperately wanted some headphones to listen to music to block out the noise. I remember that the noise was a major discomfort for Sandy after his kidney transplant.<br />
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We're a bit in limbo at the moment. I think the main aim is to drain the fluid from his abdomen. He will then eventually get a colonoscopy to assess the situation. No doubt he's in for a raft of hospital and doctor's appointments.<br />
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I guess it will make me cherish the time I have with him even more - if our Thursday phone calls resume. I'm reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40624992-coasting"><i>Coasting</i> by Jonathan Raban</a>, which he recommended to me, so that I can discuss it with him. I don't know how much longer he will be with us. We're also going to visit next weekend. For both of our parents, the number of times we've still got to see them is probably in the low dozens. For Tom it might be less than that: single digits? It's weird to think about it that way.<br />
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Another milestone, on the near horizon, is my brother, Richard, is getting married to Zoe next month. We're all going up to Dornoch in the far north of Scotland for 5 days. My sister, Laura, is the celebrant, so that will be really special. All six of us will be together again. It's been a while since that happened. When was it? 2013, 2014? In Bristol, after 2012, because I was wearing an Olympic Ceremonies T-shirt in the photo.<br />
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I'm really looking forward to going swimming with Laura and Richard. We talked about this during lockdown: how it would be great to all meet up and go swimming together in the sea. That's finally going to happen. Gregory is also going to brave the long journey, about a year after he started dialysis. He went to a friend's wedding in (I think) Northumberland a few weeks ago and had a great time. It proved to himself that he could venture further away from his dialysis. I'm not exactly sure how it's going to work. I think he just misses a treatment and then has to catch up when he gets back.<br />
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Another milestone is that Moira and Sandy have ordered an electric car! They're getting the new version of the car we have: a Kia Niro EV. It should be with them in 3-4 months. Their Audi diesel was starting to be too expensive to run with numerous repairs and faults. I'm delighted that they've made the switch. I think we managed to persuade Sandy that he could go fully electric and not get a hybrid. Moira was already onboard.<br />
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We are also thinking about our next car. We've got less than 11 months left on the lease. We've done some test drives already: VW ID.3, Tesla Model 3, Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6. I need to think more about the costs. I think this time we might buy it via PCP rather than get a lease. It was too hard to predict our mileage on the lease. We've driven it about half of what we predicted and are therefore overpaying somewhat. By this time next year we will have made the decision and we may even have our new car.<br />
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<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
The Queen died recently. To be honest, I didn't care. She was an old woman. I could see she was frail. I think parts of the UK went bonkers for 10 days. Companies thought they had to show their sorrow with black banners on websites and weird pictures of the Queen on digital billboards - as if we're living in a Communist country. Her image was everywhere. I tried to avoid the coverage as much as possible - especially the BBC. I didn't like how they covered Diana's death. There was just way too much. They were telling people how to feel, how to react. I don't think there was much perspective. Lots of other people were dying all over the world - in Pakistan after the floods, for example. But who was thinking of them?<br />
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I respect people's right to freedom of expression. They can grieve how they want. But in this social media and internet age, it's all so self-conscious. It made me more angry and dislike the monarchy even more. It's so pompous and self-important. It wastes so much money and time.<br />
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This whole experience has made me more republican. I didn't have a personal relationship with the Queen. So many people claimed that they did. It's kind of brain-washing. She simply had the best PR. We never saw anything about her that we weren't supposed to see.<br />
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And all this talk of the Commonwealth. It's the British Empire. We shouldn't be celebrating it. We should be ashamed and apologize.<br />
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Wow! I guess I feel quite angry about this. I was relieved to find similar dissenting voices on Twitter. It was quite comforting.<br />
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I hate it when people think they can speak on behalf of everyone. You don't speak for me.<br />
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And then all the coverage of people queuing up to see the Queen lying in state. People were doing it just so that they'd have stories to tell, social media posts to share. It was a bandwagon.<br />
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It's the perfect formula for me to be contrarian and go the other way.<br />
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I don't like how it's making me sound, either.<br />
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So it wasn't the event itself that affected me; it was all the media coverage about it. You couldn't escape it. It felt like lots of things were put on hold; like people had lost their minds about what was really important.<br />
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Another constant story this year has been the increase in the cost of living - particularly energy bills. We haven't been hit too badly so far because we have a fixed electricity tariff until November 2023; and our heating and hot water bill can only be increased once a year in May. Our heating comes from burning gas at the district heating plant, so I'm assuming the cost will go up next year. Again, the constant media coverage causes a lot of anxiety. I could see the effect it had on Fran. I wonder how much I would have noticed without the media. We've probably spent slightly less on food recently because I'm trying to eat better, fewer processed foods, crisps, snacks. I don't really pay attention to individual prices. Maybe I should.<br />
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I don't think I'm usually this cross. Maybe it's just the time of year and you've caught me on a bad day. Am I irritable? I haven't eaten yet today. It's 12:52 on a fast day and I'm going to make myself some lunch after I finish this.<br />
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The high gas prices are in part caused by the war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia. I hope it encourages governments to seek alternative, greener sources of energy and to reform the energy markets so that the cost of electricity isn't determined by the price of gas. Why should you pay higher costs for green energy just because gas is more expensive?<br />
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<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
At the beginning of December last year, Fran and I went to see the Manic Street Preachers at Wembley Arena. I realized that most of the gigs we go to are for bands I like. We rarely went to gigs at Fran's behest. I quite liked the Manics when I was younger. I inherited a CD of <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3jvKfPU4A2j7tVOFkhcEi2?si=HQKHjv51T_6EQ9g3Jotnng">Everything Must Go</a></i>, was given one of their earlier albums (<i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5XV63qDoIC1z2Tb0EIMVua?si=MkbpiWNMSay7z_QbKy7-DQ">Generation Terrorists</a></i>) as a Christmas present by my brother, Richard, and bought <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3gUL89r4nMGlkjRdfiZfZW?si=kcxsCiMDTTGSJ1tbTLjYTQ">This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours</a></i> with my paper round money. But they haven't been a regular part of my music life since then. I saw them warm up for Paul McCartney at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in 2010 but I was a full rugby pitch away from the stage and don't remember being blown away by the experience.<br />
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So this was really Fran's treat. The Manics were one of her favourite bands as a teenager. She knows most of the lyrics. And so, it turns out, did most of the people at this gig. I think they started with <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/73kW4XDVEv9Vuv7eVN7BdP?si=f980888779fb4763">"Motorcycle Emptiness"</a>. We were standing directly in front of the stage in the centre of the auditorium. To our front and right was a man in a white shirt. He had shoulder-length dirty blond hair, tattoos, rings, jewellery; slightly balding. BUT HE WAS HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE! Pointing his fingers in the air, singing along at the top of his lungs. The whole crowd was immediately into it. We call him White Shirt Guy and I'm tearing up as I think of him now, remembering how that sound of thousands of people all singing together, celebrating a lost youth, revisiting past selves, yearning for something lost and then, surprisingly, refound, all of us together, in the dark, some (like me), in face coverings, in the weirdly soulless place that Wembley and environs have become, still withered by successive lockdowns from the pandemic, not fully comfortable being in crowds again, amongst germs and warm breath, spilled beer, sweat, and heavy winter jackets. Oh what an experience! I felt alive, truly alive, for the duration of that song. I didn't know the lyrics myself; I knew the song. It was the reason Richard had bought me that album. But it was never on heavy rotation for me. But in that moment, I loved being a part of something so huge, seeing people delight and cry and lose themselves in that crowd, loving the band and the band loving us back. You. You love us! What a wonderful, natural, spellbinding high. To peak with the very first song, to be taken by surprise at the sheer joy and emotion of it, to feel connected to people, total strangers, for the first time in nearly two years. It was a release, a coming-together, the sort of thing you go to gigs for but maybe only feel one time in ten, twenty, thirty gigs. It makes all the ho-hummery worthwhile. I'd been to see Public Service Broadcasting twice recently, including the warm-up act on that night, hoping to achieve that same high that I felt watching them at the New Theatre in Oxford; or at most (let's be honest) Stornoway gigs. But I didn't get it from PSB in Aylesbury or that night in Wembley. I'd fantasized about it when listening to their brilliant album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5MpSEsDO02dg1McQDcDjAE?si=RBztQ5bLRkS6_lzmhIv3xA">Bright Magic</a></i>, hoping to feel that rush of emotion and inner heat and tears welling up. But I got it instead from the Manics for that one, blissful 6-minute song. The love in the room was palpable. The humanity, the mass, the strangers, the voices in unison, shouting out the lyrics, feeling them in their bones, the band radiating back all that love.<br />
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That, to me, is a spiritual experience, something I can only hope to feel every year but don't always achieve. These moments are what we live for: moments of connection and joy and love and togetherness. I'm grateful for it every time I can get it.<br />
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<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to weigh 85kg or less - preferably 80kg. I'm currently 91.6kg. I think I mentioned this in a previous answer, but I discussed my weight gain with a healthcare assistant during my annual check-up and she recommended trying the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48729913-the-fast-diet">5:2 fast diet</a> to help lose weight and keep it off. I'd had <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">success in 2020 with the 12-week NHS weight loss plan</a>, which was basically just counting calories and recording my exercise. I found it motivating at the time, but counting calories wasn't sustainable. It has created some positive habits, including measuring portions more carefully and being more mindful about what I'm eating. But I nevertheless put on weight after I relaxed a bit more and went back to old habits. I think the main culprits for me are salty snacks and sweet things like chocolate, cakes and sweets; and toast and butter - comfort foods, which I crave when I'm feeling tired and low. We've tried not to have as many in the house recently and that has helped. I felt a bit chubby, but I'm feeling better now.<br />
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It's important to me because staying at a healthier weight will help my long-term health - particularly my polycystic kidney disease. I don't want to end up like Gregory, on dialysis three times a week; or like Sandy, with a kidney transplant. That may happen to me someday, but I want to delay it for as long as possible. Being lighter will also make cycling easier. I also feel better in my skin and can fit into my two newer pairs of jeans.<br />
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If I hit my target weight of 80kg, I can then probably only fast one day a week to maintain that weight. The fast days aren't that difficult, but I do look forward to the normal days when I can enjoy my food a bit more. I mean, the food can taste great on fast days - particularly greens with soy sauce, garlic and lemon juice.<br />
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I'd also like to restore my savings by this time next year: have £10,000 tucked away in Premium Bonds and try not to touch it; and have enough in my Zopa savings account to cover any months when I haven't invoiced freelance work. Ideally, I'd like to have around £20,000 in savings, in total - including money put aside for my tax bills. I'm changing my habits slightly by putting away 15% towards my pension and 20% towards my tax bill. I didn't do this before. I'm also saving £500 a month into a regular savings account. I might not be able to afford that anymore - given the pension and tax pots. Maybe that's why I've had to dip into my Premium Bonds recently. But I did have a few expensive months with Fran's birthday and our holiday to Antibes. I also wasn't invoicing regularly for my freelance work, which inevitably means I have to use my savings.<br />
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I'd also love to have got Crest Nicholson, our builder, to fix the rainwater harvesting system, which hasn't been working for most of the three years we've been living here. They also need to fix a problem with the cladding, which has been delayed, they say, because of a shortage of scaffolding. Those are the last two big faults with our house. I know we're past the 2 years where Crest Nicholson are supposed to be liable, but these are two issues that they knew about and didn't resolve within the two years.<br />
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Ah, by this time next year, I'd also like to have finished reading through my list of books to read after Finals. I think I also mentioned that in a previous answer. I will feel a tremendous sense of achievement if I can do that. It then frees me up to read through my backlog of other books that I've bought or that have been given to me, which I keep on a shelf here in my study. There will always be books I want to read; but I also shouldn't lose sight of the fact that, when I bought these books, I wanted to read them, too! I need to read things when the mood is right, but it's also fun to rediscover what it was that made me buy the book in the first place.<br />
<br />
I get a real sense of satisfaction when working my way through longer tasks in stages. I am motivated by ticking things off my list and seeing the list get shorter. It feels like progress. Although it creates a sense of anticipation, of work in progress, of the unfinished, of restlessness, it also gives me a goal to aim for, to keep me reading and working towards something. I find that very rewarding. It will give me a sense of pride. It will also draw a line under that stage of my life so that I can move on from it.<br />
<br />
I guess by this time next year we will also have a new car. I think we're getting closer to making a decision on that. I've been thinking that it's probably best to live within our means as much as possible and just get the newer version of the Kia Niro EV - the new version of the car we have now. If we can keep the monthly payments similar to what they are now, then it will be affordable. We expect our heating and electricity bills may go up next year; and our mortgage may be more expensive when we come off the fixed rate in August 2024. We will probably switch to a new fixed rate deal - ideally for 5 years or so. I like having that stability, and I know Fran does, too.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I don't know about this one. The first thing that comes to mind is about work. I'd like to have better work habits; to feel less guilty about work. I have lots of days where I don't settle down and just get things done. But would that really make my life better? I might earn a bit more. But would the house jobs get on top of me?<br />
<br />
My life is OK at the moment. There are times when I feel a bit low, when it feels as if there's not much to look forward to. But then I reflect on how things are now and I realize that life is pretty good. There's nothing that I dread doing. Work is OK. I get enough to keep me busy and pay the bills. I don't have to work particularly hard. I'm not stressed. I look forward to my evenings with Fran. I have the freedom and the time to watch the NFL, which is my favourite hobby at this time of year. We've got the prospect of a nice Christmas at home. We're also planning to go to Wales again the week before Christmas to start the wind-down process.<br />
<br />
I've actually made some good improvements to my life this year that I'm quite proud of. I've improved my sleeping habits by doing the Sleepio course. We regularly start going to bed around 21:45, which involves doing the dishes and getting ready for bed. I'm typically in bed and reading by around 23:00 or 23:30. I wake up regularly at 06:45 on weekdays and 08:00 at weekends (and on Mondays during the football season). It has felt a bit harder since the start of the NFL season with the darker days and late nights on Sundays.<br />
<br />
I've also lost a bit of weight, which I've written about already.<br />
<br />
It's not that I'm saying my life is perfect or that there's nothing to improve, but I'm on the whole pretty satisfied and content at the moment.<br />
<br />
I have been a bit lax with keeping up my friendships now that lockdown has eased. I still have regular calls with Pav and Jenny. But I still haven't arranged to see Neal Carrier and Joe Wass. We had plans earlier in the year but they got cancelled for one reason or another and I haven't been motivated enough to re-arrange them.<br />
<br />
I don't really go out to see friends very much. I don't feel like I miss it or need it very much, but I think being more sociable might be good for my mood.<br />
<br />
I can't really think of any good advice or counsel that I've received in the past year. I had been having my regular calls with Tom (Fran's dad) every Thursday until he got ill recently. That helps me reflect on my life regularly because I have to account for what I'm doing with my time.<br />
<br />
I find that using a pomodoro timer can help me get started on work and stay focused. I'm quite informal and unstructured and try to stay on top of my inbox. Sometimes that does mean that longer-term projects languish a bit because I don't schedule them in or set deadlines. But that's one of the reasons I got tired of work in the first place.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Yeah, there's quite a lot. I've got a few Philip Larkin books queued up to read, including some of his prose and the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51106321-philip-larkin">biography by Andrew Motion</a>, and his novel, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19105467-a-girl-in-winter">A Girl in Winter</a></i>. There's also a radio series about him by Simon Armitage.<br />
<br />
Then there's my revived interest in F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. I'd like to read some more Hemingway and read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36373540-ernest-hemingway">the book I got about some of his physical objects</a>: one of the books I bought at Shakespeare & Company in Paris on our minimoon. I'd also like to read a biography about Hemingway. And Fran has recommended a couple of books about the women in his life.<br />
<br />
There are also a couple of books about the 1920s: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46153.Sylvia_Beach_and_the_Lost_Generation">Sylvia Beach and the Lost Generation</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210783.Up_in_the_Old_Hotel">Up in the Old Hotel</a></i>. That second one is on <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2005/06/books-to-read-after-finals.html">my list of books to read after Finals</a>, so I should get round to it within the next year if I stick to my plan.<br />
<br />
I've turned left a bit this year, reading <i>The Communist Manifesto</i> and <i>Culture and Imperialism</i>, plus Salman Rushdie, which make me think more about fairness in society and the legacy of empire and colonialism. There are a few other books on my list that will feed into that, including <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19053416-the-cancer-stage-of-capitalism">The Cancer Stage of Capitalism</a></i>.<br />
<br />
We had also been obsessed with Berlin. We were going to make that our next holiday, but then Fran decided she wanted a beach holiday more, so we prioritized that and went to the French Riviera at the end of the summer instead. But I would like to go back to Berlin and immerse myself in the wall and the culture and history surrounding it. It's fascinating. There's also the Holocaust memorial, which I've been wanting to see and experience for a while, ever since I saw it on TV.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to spend some more quality time with Fran's dad, Tom, and resume our weekly phone calls. He probably has bowel cancer, so I don't know how much longer he will be with us and what his quality of life will be like, but I want to make the most of the time he has left to give. We're going to see them this weekend.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I don't really know what I'm afraid of these days. There are times when I shy away from difficult conversations because I don't want to upset or offend the other person. But these are usually never as bad as I think they might be.<br />
<br />
I guess there's a part of me that's afraid of sacking clients that I don't enjoy working with. There's a risk that I won't be able to replace the work, or I'll be burning bridges. But I've found that there's plenty of work out there and it seems to come to find me.<br />
<br />
I'm not particularly afraid about money at the moment, but I do notice when I haven't invoiced for a month or two and my savings look a bit more depleted. The way to overcome it is just to invoice my freelance clients more regularly - ideally every month at the same time. But it doesn't always feel worth it for a few hundred pounds. It also reveals that I haven't done that much for them recently.<br />
<br />
There's also a part of me that's afraid of getting a proper full-time job. I'm not sure if fear is the right emotion. I don't know if I'm capable (or willing) to work full-time. I don't know if I have the patience for office culture. I certainly don't miss my old job. I love the freedom. At one time, I had a fear about leaving that job. I wasn't 100% sure that I could survive as a freelancer, but the last two years have proved I can and that there's lots of work out there for me.<br />
<br />
Do I want to sack any of my clients? Maybe. There's a couple that come to mind. But one of them has been a steady source of income and it might be foolish to cut off that support. That's what I mean by fear.<br />
<br />
If we do notice the cost of living increase with higher heating and hot water bills, higher electricity bills, and higher car and mortgage payments, we do have wiggle room. We have deliberately not over-stretched ourselves. And I'm really glad that we have been prudent. We can also save slightly less and stop over-paying on the mortgage if we need a bit more disposable income. Cutting back doesn't have to make life more miserable. On the contrary, I remember that life was still quite happy when we had to economize as a family when I was younger. There's no point being afraid and worrying about something that may not come to pass. Sure, we can make plans for what we can do if money does get tight, but getting stressed about it now isn't going to do any good.<br />
<br />
So I'd like to make sure that my savings are replenished by this time next year and still put money aside for my pension and tax bills. I may need to stop the regular saver. But it makes sense, if we can afford it, to overpay on the mortgage, because that's a good way to save on the interest; and it's also decreasing the amount we will have to borrow if we re-mortgage at the end of our 5-year fixed term in August 2024.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2023 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I'll realize that I was in quite a good place. I'll feel pleased that I set myself some goals on reading through my list of books to read after Finals and that I've finally achieved that goal; and that I'm also at, or close to, my target weight. I'll also feel financially secure, despite the rough times in the wider economy.<br />
<br />
I think I'll also realize that life has largely returned back to normal. We've had 5 months or so of normal life now, post-pandemic; and I hope that will continue. Normal being my new normal of working from home as a freelancer. I can't imagine I'd have a full-time job next year - but that's always an option if I need a steady, regular, dependable income.<br />
<br />
I don't think I need any massive changes in my life. Similar to the house, we're now largely settled. There are a few outstanding improvements - what we call Project Nice - but, on the whole, life and the house are good. Things are in order. There are no major pain points. Yesterday, the rainwater harvesting system even started to work again properly for the first time in months! I think that's a good sign.<br />
<br />
I'll appreciate setting myself some goals. They keep me motivated and give me something to aim towards. I'm doing it for my future self, reading this in a year's time and being thankful that I stuck to it.<br />
<br />
I'll realize that I'm in a stable and enjoyable chapter of my life, where there are no grand themes and anxieties as there have been in past years. There's no recurring, boring theme - apart from the usual guilt about not working enough, procrastinating and not getting things done.<br />
<br />
I also wonder where Fran will be. Will she have left her job and joined me as a freelancer? Will she be in a happy and stable place? If she's working from home, will I miss the solitude? It was fine during the pandemic when we were both home together much of the time. It would be nice to see her more relaxed about work. But going freelance can have its own anxieties due to the lack of regular and predictable income. I hope she's able to adapt to that and earn enough to make her life comfortable and worry-free.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Personal economy improves with more work.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester, UK51.8999993 -1.153152423.589765463821152 -36.3094024 80.210233136178843 34.0030976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-52927184654207271062023-02-08T17:32:00.003+00:002023-02-08T17:48:29.854+00:00How to remove the "Yuma by Shark Themes" copyright footer from the Yuma WordPress theme using functions.php<p>I recently built a WordPress site using the <a href="https://wordpress.org/themes/yuma/">Yuma theme</a> by <a href="https://www.sharkthemes.com/">Shark Themes</a>. I wanted to find a way to remove the static credential in the footer: "Yuma by Shark Themes":</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KEDGSPMHWETnehg5ZR1THheZouYToRfUJZc2WrZN6yiGz1Dd0zNfzPFKydZBfZmHvjX0Mfn1ZELtChkIH49FlutQTwO3_uiB1rq_fTF0-SnSG5aWstzEIyxMMXng2aNUpIXhlXPgXagox8hKNa7DMF60G7uLm1-BBfUZhbyxxnl4LkIduA/s1314/yuma-wordpress-theme-footer-static-credential.png"><img alt="Screenshot of the Yuma WordPress theme footer showing the "Yuma by Shark Themes" static credential." border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1314" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KEDGSPMHWETnehg5ZR1THheZouYToRfUJZc2WrZN6yiGz1Dd0zNfzPFKydZBfZmHvjX0Mfn1ZELtChkIH49FlutQTwO3_uiB1rq_fTF0-SnSG5aWstzEIyxMMXng2aNUpIXhlXPgXagox8hKNa7DMF60G7uLm1-BBfUZhbyxxnl4LkIduA/w400-h190/yuma-wordpress-theme-footer-static-credential.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>My first instinct was to use CSS to hide it (<a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2023/02/how-to-remove-yuma-by-shark-themes.html#An%20alternative%20and%20inferior%20solution%20using%20CSS">more on how to do that below</a>); but I wanted to find a more elegant way to do it that also removed the attribution from the source code. Here's how I did it:</p>
<h2 id="How to remove a function from a WordPress parent theme using functions.php">How to remove a function from a WordPress parent theme using functions.php</h2>
<p>1) Use a <a href="https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/advanced-topics/child-themes/">child theme</a>. If you make this change to the parent theme, it will probably be overwritten the next time you update the theme.</p>
<p>2) Add the following empty function to the functions.php file in your child theme (<code class="code-inline">/wp-content/themes/yuma-child/functions.php</code>):</p>
<script src="https://gist.github.com/domeheid/77dea3f5bd9e202242973b52e0ffde22.js"></script>
<p>This empty function overrides the function of the same name in the parent theme: <code class="code-inline">/wp-content/themes/yuma/inc/template-hooks/footer.php</code>:</p>
<script src="https://gist.github.com/domeheid/035d9e3cab9d8e55a5f0c256aac8e81c.js"></script>
<p>Hat tip to <a href="https://obsessive-coffee-disorder.com/how-to-override-parent-theme-functions-in-wordpress/">https://obsessive-coffee-disorder.com/how-to-override-parent-theme-functions-in-wordpress/</a> for teaching me this.</p>
<h2 id="An alternative and inferior solution using CSS">An alternative and inferior solution using CSS</h2>
<p>You could also just hide the footer element in CSS (<code class="code-inline">/wp-content/themes/yuma-child/style.css</code>), but I think that's a less elegant solution and still leaves the attribution in the source code:</p>
<script src="https://gist.github.com/domeheid/dd0741d9f68431c4b9c4db1829c6e3c2.js"></script>
<p>In case you're interested, the website I built was <a href="https://fivetimesfaster.org/">https://fivetimesfaster.org/</a> for Simon Sharpe, the author of <a href="https://amzn.to/3loHdBJ"><i>Five Times Faster: Rethinking the Science, Economics, and Diplomacy of Climate Change</i></a> (due to be published on 6 April 2023 by Cambridge University Press).</p>Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester, UK51.8999993 -1.153152423.589765463821152 -36.3094024 80.210233136178843 34.0030976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-7731408737560272802022-09-23T13:23:00.004+01:002022-09-23T13:23:50.733+01:00My 2021 10Q answersEvery year since 2010, I've taken part in <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">10Q</a>, a Jewish-inspired process of self-reflection.<br />
<br />
Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">2017</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">2018</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2020/09/my-2019-10q-answers.html">2019</a>, and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">2020</a>. These are my answers from 2021:<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 1:</h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I left my job at Torchbox after 10.5 years. I'd been building up to this for a while. I had been unhappy at work for some time - sometimes seriously unhappy: crying inexplicably at my desk unhappy, not wanting to get out of bed unhappy, being followed around by a black dog unhappy. <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">As I wrote about in 10Q last year</a>, I had two mental health days and started counselling. Furlough was a blessed relief, but it also opened a wound wider and gave me time to reflect on my situation in life. Work was the main thing making me unhappy. I had some protected conversations with people at work, where we agreed not to share what was said, so I'm somewhat limited in what I can write here, knowing that I will share this in a year's time. But what I can say is that, over a series of conversations over a few months, I agreed with my employer that the best thing for me to do was to leave my job. I didn't have anything else to go to. I never did hear back from <a href="https://conversion-rate-experts.com/">Conversion Rate Experts</a>, the company I applied to in June 2020, had a sort-of interview with, and then never heard back from - apart from that I wasn't a good fit for their immediate recruiting need of researcher. They didn't give me a no, but they also just left me hanging. That whole process of applying for another job helped me to visualize life beyond Torchbox and got me excited.<br />
<br />
It has been a great relief to leave my full-time job. I am burned out and still recovering. I've been fortunate that freelance work has come to find me. I'm earning enough to keep paying my way without having to work 8 hours a day.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, what do you find yourself reassessing in terms of the future? (For example: personal relationships, your relationship with money, with work, with technology, the media, body image, with your kids, family members.)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
My relationship with work is definitely changing. I'm a little worried that furlough has broken me. It's very rare that I now work a full day. Furlough broke the habit of getting up, commuting for 45 minutes each way, and working 09:00-17:30. I subscribe to Bertrand Russell's idea of working 4-hour days (<a href="https://harpers.org/archive/1932/10/in-praise-of-idleness/">"In Praise of Idleness"</a>). That was pretty much the amount of useful (billable) work I was able to do anyway. So now that I've reassessed that as my target, I can do an hour or two before lunch and two to three hours after lunch and that's enough. If I don't want to work in the morning, I don't have to.<br />
<br />
I'm also facing the prospect of working from home for the foreseeable future. This gives me an extra 90 minutes in my day because I'm not commuting.<br />
<br />
The anxiety and stress of the news has also caused me to stay off social media for the most part and only occasionally check in with the news headlines. I'm much more detached from what's going on. I don't really miss social media.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm proud that I've cleaned out the mouldy shelves from the garden shed and garage. They caused me heartache every time I saw them from last October onwards. I got new MDF shelves and painted them two coats on each side, 25 shelves, 100 sides. Both the garage and shed are now much nicer places to be. I'm currently trying to find a contractor to improve the ventilation in the garage. I'm worried that when the cold and wet weather returns, so will the mould. The garage is single-skin and not designed for storage. My house builder doesn't accept that there's a possible leak from the roof.<br />
<br />
I'm really proud of <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2006/09/books-i-have-read.html">how much I've read this year</a>. I've been trying to read a book a week since the beginning of January. So far I've read 48 books and we're in week 37. A lot of those books have been audiobooks on Audible. I've therefore listened to podcasts a lot less, but I don't miss them that much. Books feel like more of an achievement. I hope I continue that pace because it does feel like my mind is developing. I hope it sticks as a habit. I've learned a lot about feminism and <a href="https://amzn.to/3SmUmqe"><i>The Chimp Paradox</i></a> has really resonated with me.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I went to visit my big brother, Gregory, in hospital last weekend. He's been in and out quite a lot since his kidney transplant last August. His mental health has declined, making it much harder to manage both conditions. At times I've lost hope and was starting to come to terms with the fact that he might not survive for much longer. I was relieved that he made it to Christmas. He knows himself that he lives too hard and doesn't take proper care of himself, or is not capable of taking proper care of himself, or doesn't want to take proper care of himself.<br />
<br />
I was apprehensive about going to visit him. I hadn't seen him since my wedding in February 2019. I was nervous that he might attack me verbally or be angry about me and the rest of the family. But that didn't happen. I was actually quite hopeful after seeing him that he might have a brighter future ahead. Maybe it's because I set my expectations so low.<br />
<br />
I feel more at peace with it now. I was able to hug him twice (at his insistence) and tell him that I love him. Hugging is supposedly verboten in NHS hospitals at the moment, where social distancing is still required. I wouldn't have hugged him had he not wanted it. And once he offered, I couldn't refuse.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I find this one difficult to answer because I'm so shut off from the news. I'm aware that things have kicked off in Afghanistan but I've only seen a few headlines. I'm not that surprised that things collapsed. I guess Biden winning the US presidential election was quite a big thing. It's nice to know that Trump is no longer in power, that the news cycle will no longer be led by what some guy wrote on Twitter. Things seem to be mostly back to normal. But how would I know? I don't follow the news.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I've been to live music again. Last weekend I went to see <a href="https://www.norfolkbroadsmusic.co.uk/">The Norfolk Broads</a> sing in an outdoor amphitheatre in Bristol. I've been wanting to see them live for so long. One of the band members, Anna Cornish, used to sing with <a href="https://www.thelongestjohns.com/">The Longest Johns</a>. I think that's how I discovered The Norfolk Broads. She has since left TLJ to focus on the Broads. I've been listening to their <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5Lr22xAYLeCMTcYniwqx3V?si=s_MczyeWRTWQnwvVcmysxg">new album</a> a lot since the gig. I love the stories in folk music, how they can transport you to another time and place, keep alive the voices and memories of past lives. It was special being part of a crowd again - a crowd of hipsters and hippies, which I guess must be my people, even though I feel a bit separate from them. But it was a very safe crowd. I love how folk songs and melodies can stick in your head, even after only hearing them once.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to feel fully settled in the house, having finished all the little jobs: sort out the second bedroom (Fran's study); tidy the cables around our desks; improve the ventilation in the garage and garden shed; put up bedside shelves; hang the final few pictures (we've made a lot of progress on this over the past few weeks); finish my filing; sell some stuff on eBay; work through my pile of to-dos; take stuff to the tip. We're not far away from being done. I know there will always be little jobs on the horizon. But I hope we can get the rest of the defects fixed by our house builder so that we can relax and just enjoy living here without the stress and uncertainty. The main remaining defects are the rainwater harvesting not working; the paintwork on the French doors and window frames; a missing completion certificate; some damp damage under and around the kitchen sink; and the wooden cladding, which I think needs a ventilation gap at the top. It's really satisfying to tick off these jobs. It makes the house much nice to live in, even more of a home.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to get into the habit of working again. I've really slipped out of it since taking some holiday at the end of July and early August. I don't seem to have the urgency or motivation, unless one of my clients asks for something specific. I'm still happy to aim for 4 hours a day. That's enough to live off. I need the habit and the routine. I'm definitely still in the holiday habit. There are no consequences if I want to stay in bed a bit longer and take yet another day off work. I guess if I continue to diminish my savings, I will eventually be motivated by the need to earn more. But I'm also just listening to my body and mind, which still feels like it's recuperating from burnout. In some ways, I'm enjoying part of my retirement now. I'd also like to resume paying into my pension, which I haven't done since my last payslip at the end of October / early November. I've probably got enough in savings to make up the lost contributions, but I'm somewhat reluctant to lock that money away in case I need it.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I want to investigate if freelancing is going to be my long-term future. It has worked for me so far for the past 10 months, but I have also been leaning a little on my savings. I know I need to do a bit more work to replenish my savings, save for my tax return, pay into my pension, and still pay my way each month. Maybe I just need to accept that I should take the whole of August off. This was my most unproductive month so far this year. I probably also need a spend a bit more time with my Navigator workbook. I was using this last year before Christmas to help me think through some of my options. But then the freelance work took over and I stopped reflecting as much and just started working away at a few projects. I know in myself that I could have delivered some of these projects faster. I really do take my time. Maybe the nature of the work I'm doing isn't challenging me or inspiring me enough. But work life has certainly been easier since I left full-time employment. It has felt like less of a grind. It would be nice to have a bit more perspective and more of a plan than just coping month-to-month and seeing how things go. I'm not particularly proud of my recent record. I often don't have much to say when Fran's parents ask me about work on our weekly calls. But maybe that's just a reflection that there's more to life than work. I've looked at a few job descriptions but haven't really wanted to apply anywhere because I'm not sure I'm ready to be someone's employee. I like (and need) the freedom of being in charge of my time. Or maybe I've just become too lazy. Anyway, I'd be surprised if things weren't a bit clearer by this time next year.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I've faced most of my fears. I've left my unhappy job. I went to visit Gregory in hospital. I've spoken to Fran about having children (we're still leaning no, for the time being, but are both open-minded). Am I afraid of working? I'm definitely experiencing some kind of mental block towards it. Maybe I'm just reluctant to leave my comfort zone.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2022 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I'll probably be slightly ashamed about how lazy I was towards work. I'm not sure if "lazy" is the right word. Is this me being mean to myself? I'll probably feel that this was a transition year, that I was starting to figure things out, that I'd been through a lot and was somewhat coasting. I've found it harder to get into 10Q this year and find the time for it. I've written most of my answers on day 10 (apart from day 1, which I did start on time). It sometimes feels like a bit of a chore to write these, but I'm always glad that I did. It's hard not to let your current preoccupations cloud your view of the whole year. Also, reading last year's answers makes it harder to define when "this year" started.<br />
<br />
I think there's less of a revelation or ticking time bomb in this year's answers. I haven't set myself any huge challenges, like <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">proposing to Fran</a> or <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2021/09/my-2020-10q-answers.html">leaving my job</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope that I'll feel more settled and sure about the direction my life is going in. I also hope home will feel more complete and less of a work in progress. Having all this time off has certainly helped me make progress there. Working full-time and having a busy social life (e.g. drumming most weekends) really limits the amount of time and energy I've got. It's been great to have had more time over the past year and I'm not sure I want to go back to the way we were.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
House sorted, freelance situation is clearer.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester, UK51.8999993 -1.153152429.970157799763715 -36.309402399999989 73.829840800236283 34.003097599999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-60377699534577812832022-01-20T12:55:00.000+00:002022-01-20T12:55:35.446+00:00How to fix the Kia UVO iPhone app error: "The vehicle does not respond to the service you requested" (Kia e-Niro 4 UK 2020 registration)<p>When trying to refresh the status of my Kia e-Niro 4 in the UVO iPhone app (AKA Kia Connect), I kept getting the error: "The vehicle does not respond to the service you requested." See screenshot below:<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaXe996rMNyQxgHnR8nhpsD3o1Ne_YvXKJ_68MljYetRlezfQUYYbOuuM58_mmy5FsR0LnieJfqSfea4Hzylpb5otwUkXJaBWlv3VoXK07GLtaeIm71Ye9TOLLcWgcFuShVlgWYoMlCxYo7V4NQBpEYfdf1tg8WBJjQDOR8Eo5-KM7cts05Q=s2778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kia UVO iPhone app error: "The vehicle does not respond to the service you requested."" border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaXe996rMNyQxgHnR8nhpsD3o1Ne_YvXKJ_68MljYetRlezfQUYYbOuuM58_mmy5FsR0LnieJfqSfea4Hzylpb5otwUkXJaBWlv3VoXK07GLtaeIm71Ye9TOLLcWgcFuShVlgWYoMlCxYo7V4NQBpEYfdf1tg8WBJjQDOR8Eo5-KM7cts05Q=w296-h640" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kia UVO iPhone app error.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The way to fix it, as recommended by the users ClementsJ and NGee on the <a href="https://www.speakev.com/threads/car-not-responding-uvo-app.155860/#post-2943484">Speak EV electric car forum</a>, is to reset of infotainment system by pressing the small button on the right of the audio on/off volume control, as pictured below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx_hzEjZTOIiLSMKM97ATabVs8cletkBeSNRWeE1gO3NCYyPXZlL6Gd45yDYcth0gp55EnMvGKcoU4TuTlD6AqjXZsJN8AOmLlZgms8AtmBtfyYvZnoi1JLtmI0xK3ooJNnXLjKXMLjNTSqA7AU2rylX4yLKkwSZlZNyHOSpub63scP0rFyw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kia e-Niro 4 infotainment system reset button to the right of the audio on/off volume control." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx_hzEjZTOIiLSMKM97ATabVs8cletkBeSNRWeE1gO3NCYyPXZlL6Gd45yDYcth0gp55EnMvGKcoU4TuTlD6AqjXZsJN8AOmLlZgms8AtmBtfyYvZnoi1JLtmI0xK3ooJNnXLjKXMLjNTSqA7AU2rylX4yLKkwSZlZNyHOSpub63scP0rFyw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kia e-Niro 4 infotainment system reset button to the right of the audio on/off volume control.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMbnbyUpfu3u32-YyMz8uUOMykhLAfMHXkFMDvtq3qwtiWXbUxJVUyknLD5VD-wx26nhq2SsMMlONcfXJdJXXqpI_5mxnjJZkwArYKJC7sn4EavoUvXtc_4tzlPEUTp00oTWZ5JDuJGsAfQVFr4ypHrs9Cy1n3_Zh_PcFfNwn4loGQ5vjow=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I used a Parker jotter mechanical pencil to depress the reset button next to the volume control." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMbnbyUpfu3u32-YyMz8uUOMykhLAfMHXkFMDvtq3qwtiWXbUxJVUyknLD5VD-wx26nhq2SsMMlONcfXJdJXXqpI_5mxnjJZkwArYKJC7sn4EavoUvXtc_4tzlPEUTp00oTWZ5JDuJGsAfQVFr4ypHrs9Cy1n3_Zh_PcFfNwn4loGQ5vjow=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used a Parker jotter mechanical pencil to press the reset button next to the volume control. You could also use a paperclip.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwCNERP8mJ99tKG5vykRVlcLUZsxFGc21Dwq5AWD79Zsrpz5zJ0T6m_cCMbpaCjFvfohev7LXy0dCx5Fkjxjw8SLoSaWTuEFaQiP1lGHVj38WXTrDmtGx481yF5Id8-iBPzWXQvs-v-q16euyxHaUvUTnG8XOqYEfDxcVVxbxv8g1ROZR9tw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Look for the UVO reception at the top right of the screen." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwCNERP8mJ99tKG5vykRVlcLUZsxFGc21Dwq5AWD79Zsrpz5zJ0T6m_cCMbpaCjFvfohev7LXy0dCx5Fkjxjw8SLoSaWTuEFaQiP1lGHVj38WXTrDmtGx481yF5Id8-iBPzWXQvs-v-q16euyxHaUvUTnG8XOqYEfDxcVVxbxv8g1ROZR9tw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for the UVO reception at the top right of the screen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please note that this is just the classic IT trick of turning it off and on again. It doesn't do a factory reset, so I don't think you will need to repeat any setup steps.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com7Bicester, UK51.899603 -1.153589923.589369163821154 -36.3098399 80.209836836178852 34.0026601tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-76317501225129927042021-09-05T22:38:00.002+01:002021-09-05T22:38:49.212+01:00My 2020 10Q answersWow! Work was really on my mind a lot last year. Here are my answers to a special COVID-19 edition of <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">10Q</a>, a process of self-reflection that I've undertaken every year since <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>. As it has done in the past - such as 2018, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">when I decided I would ask Fran to marry me</a> - these moments of stillness and listening to myself have led to major life changes: I quit my job and have been freelancing since November last year. Come back next year to find out how that has affected me and how I'm feeling now.<br />
<br />
Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">2017</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">2018</a>, and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2020/09/my-2019-10q-answers.html">2019</a>. Here is what was on my mind in September 2020:<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 1:</h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I had another bout of deep depression. It's been brewing for some time and, on reflection, it probably started last year around October. My productivity at work really suffered but this just made things worse: I didn't realize at the time that the lack of productivity was probably a symptom. I started the year on a low ebb with a few days of flu at the end of the Christmas holidays. Then, in February, I got weirdly emotional at work and found myself crying at my desk, in what felt like mental pain and anguish. It was quite scary. One morning I woke up and just didn't feel like going to work. I knew I could probably go through the motions, get up and dressed, drive to work; but I wouldn't really be there. So I took a couple of mental health days to recover, which I felt guilty about, as if I was skiving off - even though I knew I really needed it. I also started seeing a counsellor for the first time since the end of my graduate study, which also ended and was caused by depression. I think in some ways this is my mind and body telling me that I need to make a serious change in my life and find a new job. I returned to work, intimidated by the prospect of the company ski trip a few days later. I didn't really want to go. But I did go, and ended up having a nice time. I loved the skiing and I also found a nice little group of colleagues who weren't into the heavy drinking and partying but instead liked to play board games and especially Hanabi. At the time I dismissed all the scare stories about COVID-19 as an exaggeration. I read an article in <i>Psychology Today</i> that reflected my views. But a week later we were sent home from work indefinitely in pre-lockdown. I had about 10 days of that until the end of March. We were on the cusp of a DEC emergency appeal launch. The company announced in a team meeting that some people were being furloughed, much to my surprise. And then, after the meeting, I was told that I was going to be one of those people: they were just unable to tell me before the meeting. I was completely blindsided. I was very cross about it at first. It took me a couple of days to come to terms with it. Then I realized it was actually a blessing: what I'd been wishing for for a few years: a break from work, a sabbatical, to collect myself, get some stuff done around the house, some life admin. I had three months of it and I didn't want it to end. It was like early retirement. As a result, I've actually had quite a pleasant experience during lockdown so far. I've had time and space to breathe, slow down. I still feel resentful about it at times and I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive my employer for treating me like I'm expendable. But there's another part of me that really appreciates this act of mercy. I'm sure they could see I needed it and would benefit from it. So, very mixed emotions. In some ways, I'm still processing it - as I'm sure will become apparent over the next few answers.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Describe an experience from before the COVID-19 pandemic that may now feel like it belongs to another world entirely. When you think about it, how do you feel?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
We went to a gig in Oxford to see the Hot 8 Brass Band. We met some friends beforehand for dinner. They hadn't got their shit together in time to buy tickets for the gig, so we went on alone. The meal was in a house-restaurant. We could hug each other, shake hands, share food, sit close. Then, in the venue where the gig was, we watched it fill up gradually. People were dancing and sweating on each other, bumping into each other, getting into personal space. It was a happy, innocent time. I think I was vaguely aware of COVID-19 because a friend from a band had visited her husband in China and had to stay in lockdown. But I never thought that would come over here. I still sometimes wonder whether we have gone wonky in our ability to assess and react to risk. But then there's also so much fear. I wonder if those days will ever return now. I'm starting to feel reprogrammed.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>We're in the last 10 days of September and yet this year doesn't feel that old because for 6 months we've been in lockdown. I'm not sure I'm proud of this, but I'm pleased that I could see I needed help with my mental health and therefore told HR at work and went to counselling. I'm not really sure if it helped, but it gave me a focus to bide my time while I recovered. I think it's probably given me some more tools to manage my mental health and understand what my negative thought patterns are. I have a lot of negative self-talk when I'm depressed. I also learned that one of the sources of my stress was lack of job satisfaction (not the other way around).<div><br /></div><div>I guess one of my regrets, and I suppose I was hamstrung by my depression, was not making a better go of the opportunity I had at work to create a new role for myself in the UX design team. I didn't grasp it with both hands and make it happen. When I spoke to people about it, I felt cringy - particularly a conversation I had with Luiza. I didn't like the way she was framing the role as she saw it from her perspective and that knocked me out. I could have been working with Ben E and Dave H with one of them as my line manager. And if I'd got that sorted before lockdown, I might still be in that job now. As it is, I feel I've regressed and burned some bridges in my own team by asking for a new line manager and explaining why it was necessary. And the opportunity for the new role has been taken away again because the company is worried that there's not enough UX work anyway.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
What was your main New Year's resolution or personal goal at the beginning of 2020? What do you think of that goal now? Does it still seem relevant? Does it seem trivial? Does it seem distant?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
I guess one of my wishes or vague aims for the past few years has been to lose a bit of weight, but it was never a stated goal or resolution. I'm just aware that doctors tend to mention it to me at my annual kidney check-ups. This year, because of COVID-19, I didn't have my check-up face-to-face; instead it was conducted over the phone. The doctor mentioned towards the end of our conversation that it would be good for me to lose a bit of weight. But it was no different to previous years. This year, however, partly because we've got into a routine of exercise during lockdown, and we're eating lunch together at home, I decided to try the NHS weight loss plan for 12 weeks. This involved printing out a weekly calendar and recording my calorie intake in the MyFitnessPal app. I've done this before - notably during the build-up to the 2012 Olympics. I remember sitting in the Olympic stadium, having one of dozens of packed lunches I had that summer when rehearsing for the Opening Ceremony, adding my calories on MyFitnessPal. It never worked for me before. I always just ate what I wanted. But this year, something was different. I was going to try it for a week, just to benchmark what my daily calorie intake was; and I asked my wife, Fran, to support me. In the first week I lost 3.1kg (3% of my bodyweight)! So I just kept going. I didn't lose weight every week, but I kept at it and made sure I was doing at least 150 minutes of exercise. We did the 7-minute workout x 3 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings; 20-40 minutes of yoga on Wednesdays after work; and a long bike ride at the weekend (or on Fridays when I was still on furlough). I didn't deny myself any foods; I just recorded what I ate and stuck to the recommended portion sizes. I was much more conscious of what I was eating and when I wanted to eat. I resisted the urge sometimes to snack. I was motived by stepping on the scales every Monday morning. I didn't want to be disappointed. I think also having Fran to support me was really important. I completed the 12-week programme. I didn't record every single day: sometimes we ate out or didn't have the time or the energy to record over the weekend; sometimes we were away from home and without internet connection, which made it harder to look things up. But the important thing was the behaviour change. To date I've lost 9.3kg (9% of my bodyweight). I'm slowly working my way towards a healthy BMI of 26, which for me would be 81.9kg. My BMI is currently 27.5. I've lost fat around my waist and it feels great. I don't feel so tubby anymore. I think lockdown has generally been really good for me to form new habits: going for walks after work, exercising more, gardening, watering the garden, snacking less (particularly salty snacks). This is my proudest achievement of the year so far. I want to keep going to see if I can reach my target weight and then stay there. I've even noticed that my trousers and shorts are looser around the waist and I've had to tighten my belt by a whole notch. I've lost 10cm around my waist. I'm not the man I was at the beginning of lockdown - in a good way! I'm 91% of the man I was.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>My big brother, Gregory, had a kidney transplant a few weeks ago. It all happened very quickly. He's been on the transplant list for a while (over 6 months, I think). He had a fistula put in on a Thursday to prepare him for dialysis, which he would have had to start sometime after Christmas. His kidney function was down to 13%. Then, the next day, my big sister, Laura, offered him her kidney. We were all blown away by her generosity, and it really seemed to perk Gregory up. It was an act of great love. That weekend it was Laura's 40th birthday. We were supposed to have a family Zoom call to celebrate together, but Gregory excused himself because he had to go into hospital: they had a kidney for him! (Not Laura's.) He had a series of tests that day to check he was compatible and then the transplant happened overnight. He was elated the next day. Apparently the kidney is very small, which might mean that something very sad happened to make the kidney available. But it really feels like Laura's generosity paid it forward and the world reacted and found him a kidney. In some ways, all of this has brought us closer together. But the last few weeks have been increasingly tough on the others because Gregory has slipped back into mania, the signs of which we could see from day 2 after the transplant, once the elation and painkillers wore off. We're really worried that his mania will affect his ability to take care of himself and take all his medications at the right time. It's hard enough for a person of sound mind to stick to the regime. My dad, Sandy, found it difficult after his transplant and he really needed Moira to remind him to take all his pills at the right time (some with food, some without). I also worry that Gregory self-medicates with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and probably worse. He's not sleeping regular hours and he's putting himself at risk. Part of me feels really cross at this: he's been given this kidney to save his life, but he's not protecting it and himself the way we would like to see. Someone else could have had that kidney. It's hard to say, but it's true. I hope he comes through this and takes better care of himself.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
How has the COVID-19 pandemic experience affected your relationships with your family members, near and far?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
Fran and I have been great together. It's been lovely having her at home during the day so we can have little chats, I can make her cups of tea, we can hug more often. We also balance each other well. She still reads the news and is plugged in to social media; I've really distanced myself from all that stuff. So I get little trickles of news through her.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the rest of my family, we've become a lot closer. We've got a family WhatsApp group and my mum asked us to share something happy or uplifting each day. My big brother, Gregory, until his kidney transplant, sent us a joke every single day without fail. We also had family Zoom calls every couple of weeks. I feel more connected than before and I speak to my parents more than I had been doing. We've seen an opportunity for us to help in this situation by keeping in touch with Moira and Sandy and just giving them time to talk about things that aren't Gregory and all their worries and frustrations around that. I don't know how we can help Gregory. We're geographically the closest but Moira said it wasn't the right time to visit when she was down to help him sort out his flat the week he got released from hospital.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Fran's parents, Tom and Ros, we've continued to have our weekly calls on Sundays but we've switched to Zoom for them as well. We used to do it over the phone and it was mostly Fran who spoke to them. I did drive a bit of a wedge between us, I think, when I was concerned that they were having Uncle Nicky and Aunty Lotta to stay when that was not allowed. Yes, they think they've all had COVID-19, but I'm someone who tries to do things by the book and follow the law. We raised our concerns but they went ahead with it anyway. I think Ros, in particular, was a little offended that we brought it up. But we had a relatively civil, adult conversation about it and heard each other out.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I've tried as much as possible to unplug from what's going on in the world. I was finding that early in lockdown the news was just so depressing and a cause of anxiety, so I've deliberately avoided social media and the news much more than usual. Whenever something big happens, I tend to just see the headlines. To get deeper insight into the story, I listen to podcasts or read the <i>LRB</i>. But I'm protecting myself in a bubble of ignorance, mostly. COVID-19 has obviously impacted everyone. For me, it's meant spending a lot more time at home and being put on furlough from work for 3 months. This was a signal to me that I'm pretty much done with Torchbox and need to find another job - although it's hardly the best time to be doing that - particularly if I have to take a risk and go freelance or just resign without a new job to go to.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Have you been recording your thoughts and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, how?
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
Not in any organized or structured way. I’ve started using interstitial journaling at work sometimes to help me transition between tasks and projects. This is sometimes a way for me to vent what's on my mind. I've become quite irritable at work and feel a lot of resentment and disgruntlement. This process of 10Q will also be a good record of my thoughts and experiences. It's very difficult to write an answer that doesn't touch on COVID-19 in some way.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I can't think of any. I feel a bit drained, to be honest. Life has been so simplified and limited for the past 6 months. We went to the Antony Gormley exhibition at the RA last year. I love his work. I think what I enjoyed the most were his sketches and sketchbooks where you can see his ideas in development. There was one motif that I really liked of a horizon line running through a head - a bit like a hat. I could have spent hours looking at those sketches. His tiny figures are very moving sometimes. Humanity and the human body in its purest, simplest form.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Has the COVID-19 pandemic led to any spiritual moments of significance for you? ("Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth. Something that brought you a sense of Awe.)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
One of the most moving moments, for me, has been having a few calls with my dad. He was going through a rough time of it with sciatica: pretty much constant pain and discomfort. One of the ways I thought I could help was just keeping him company, giving him something else to think and talk about. We watched a few old rugby matches and then had a call afterwards to discuss them. We also watched a documentary about the time that Llanelli beat the All Blacks in the 70s. It was amazing that a club side - admittedly with a few Welsh internationals in it - could beat the All Blacks. I felt really close to Sandy. It was nice finding something to enjoy together. And it's strange for me to be in the position of carer, encouraging him to do his exercises and take his fitness seriously.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to be happy at work. This could mean having the bravery to quit Torchbox and find a new job; or it could mean overcoming my feelings of resentment, boredom and general disgruntlement and finding a way back to having pride in my work. It's important to me because how I feel about work has such a big impact on my life, and our life together. It affects my mood when I'm not working. I want to be happy and fun around Fran; not feeling sorry for myself and trying to fight through yet another bout of depression.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, what is one thing that you find yourself reassessing in terms of the future? (For example, personal relationships / your relationship with money / with Work / with technology / the media / body image / with your kids / family members.)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
I feel much better about my body image and I want that to continue. Losing weight and doing more exercise, as well as getting Birkenstock tan lines on my feet from spending so much time in the sunshine in the garden, have all made me feel better in my own skin. I enjoy the way my body feels when I'm doing yoga and the 7-minute workout. I feel stronger and fitter. My waistline looks so much better than it did a few years ago, when I felt decidedly chubby. It shows that I do have control over how I look and feel: I just need a little discipline. But I also need to be aware that I can't let bouts of low mood push me back into comfort eating. That won't make me feel better and it will do me harm in the long term. I'm now more confident that I can hit my target weight and find a way to stay there, or thereabouts. There are parts of my body that I genuinely like: the way my feet look when I'm doing yoga; my strong and shapely thighs and calves; my freckled forearms.</div><div><br /></div><div>As my previous answers also show, I'm also seriously reassessing the future of my work. I'm building up to making a decision to get me out of my lethargy. I went through a similar depression that led to me quitting academia. I'm pretty sure it's my body telling me I need to make a pretty serious change.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I want my work situation to be better. I want to get rid of some more of my bad habits and replace them with good habits. I want to mute my negative self-talk, complain less (particularly about other people), and feel more comfortable in my own skin. I want more of the house to be unpacked and finished, with more things in their rightful long-term place. I want to reduce clutter. I don't want my life to be too full. I want to read more. Don't know about the good advice or counsel. I am changing and aware of my habits and behaviours. I've certainly made a dent in some of them. I like forming new, good habits. I want to sleep better and more. I want to have fewer nights fuelled by caffeine and white light from glowing rectangles.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
As society reopens and you reemerge, how would you like to see society shifting in the coming months? Or would you like it simply to go back to the way it was pre-COVID-19 pandemic?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
I really hope that society becomes kinder and more considerate of others. I certainly don't want things to go back to the way they were! I like that life has slowed down, that we travel less. I like that we've got to know our neighbours a little and explored the local area. I'd like the government to be humble. I'd like to be more selective about how I spend my free time. Stop surrounding myself with people I don't like and would rather not spend time with.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I want to become an expert in conversion rate optimization. I want to learn from the best by working with the best. I want to learn how to do things the right way; work efficiently with finely honed workflows. I want to remove bottlenecks. I want to be able to identify useful information from data. I want to see recommendations tested and implemented. I want to work in an organization without fiefdoms and hierarchy. I want to experience another workplace culture. I want to see if working remotely by design can work.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
Nothing really springs to mind. This question usually stumps me. I don't see how COVID-19 would make a difference here, in my situation. I guess I'd like to investigate myself more fully. I'm definitely a work in progress. I haven't lived up to the potential I feel I used to have. I've been taken down a peg or two. I've failed. I've let myself down. I'd like to explore what my potential is now. How have I changed? What are my strengths? I'd like to change the narrative I tell about myself. That's why leaving a job is so hard: because it has become part of who you are, part of the story you tell about yourself. I want to change that story. It's stilted and boring. Having three months away from work has made me realize that I go on when the work stops. I am replaceable, expendable, undervalued, under-performing. I want to slough off a few old skins, recycle myself, reuse, refresh, reinvigorate. I want to feel fresh like I've just come out of the shower. I want to see myself anew through new people's eyes.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>I'm afraid of quitting my job. It has limited me because I've been mostly unhappy at work for 5 years: half the time I've been at this company. That's not healthy. It has worn me down. Shown me a side of myself I don't like. Shown that side to other people. I will not be in that job this time next year; or if I am, I will have changed. But I think I have to quit. I'm afraid that I won't find other companies to be as good. But then this company has trundled off the pages of my good books. It is no longer the company I wish to keep. My relationship with it has soured. I do not want to include some of its employees in my average (there's a theory that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with: I want to change who those five people are). I could just let it go now: resign and hope that I fall on my feet or at least sustain an income with freelance work until I find my next job. Or I could wait for a more stable transition and have the new job lined up. There's a part of me that isn't worried about being able to earn enough from freelance work. My attitude towards freelance work would change if that was my only source of income. I also wonder if I need a more extreme change of direction in my career. I've thought about using the university careers service to help me think this through. But I'm also waiting to hear from a job application I did in June, that I invested a lot of time and energy and thought into. I don't want to move on from that yet until I get a definitive answer one way or another about whether there's a place for me in this new company: if we are right for each other.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began what is your greatest fear? What is your greatest hope?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
I don't actually feel that afraid. I'm cautious and I try to follow the guidelines on social distancing. In some ways, I'm afraid that life won't return, that it will be changed, limited, and hampered forever. I'm also afraid that things will return back to the way we were and, collectively, we won't learn the lessons that this pandemic has been trying to teach us. I hope that it will have changed us like I can feel it is changing me. I hope we don't lose patience with this project. I also hope it will change society for the better: make us more active in politics, turn out to vote in the next election; vote for progressive politics, vote to care for the more vulnerable in our society; vote to improve our environments, curb our travel, reduce our consumption. I hope we look back on this period as a turning point. I want us to bear the scar and be reminded that life can be different.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2021 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I'll notice how preoccupied I was with work. That seems to have been the main theme of this year's answers. I hope I will be in a better situation at work: probably in a new job. I'll be quite surprised if I'm still at Torchbox. Similar to the way I set myself a deadline of asking Fran to marry me a few years ago, I seem to have set the clock ticking to quitting my job. It's certainly something I keep thinking about and talking about. I hope I'll feel proud of myself for making a big life decision and that it turned out to be the right one. No regrets.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
Six months from now, do you think that you'll look back on the time before the COVID-19 pandemic and feel irrevocably changed, or do you think you'll return to the person you were before? Which changes do you hope remain? Which do you wish will disappear?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
Yes, I think I will feel changed. Being at home has changed some of my habits. I hope my healthier eating and weight will continue: that those habits will have stuck. I also think COVID-19 has triggered me to rethink my working life and reassess my values. I don't think I'll return to the person I was before. I wasn't in a particularly happy place: counselling, mental health days off work, unproductive, unhappy, sometimes tearful. Why would I want to go back to that? I exercise more, together with Fran: that has really helped our wellbeing. I've also started doing yoga and really enjoy that. On the whole, COVID-19 has been good for me. We've been so lucky.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
New job, happier, Gregory is OK.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Supplemental question:</h3>
What's Your Six-Word Memoir on Life during Coronatime?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My supplemental answer:</span></h3>
Furlough, garden, shed, garage, work change.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.</div>Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester OX27 8BP, UK51.923927799999987 -1.16188823.613693963821142 -36.318138 80.23416163617884 33.994362tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-51025103144788966652021-06-10T17:24:00.002+01:002021-06-10T17:32:08.437+01:00How to get a refund for PAYG mobile phone credit<p>I'm in the process of switching my UK mobile phone provider from <a href="http://aklam.io/nsDL0e">Three</a> to <a href="https://i.smarty.co.uk/hG0KoK">SMARTY</a>. I'm on a Pay As You Go (PAYG) tariff. I had £9.39 of credit left on my account. Annoyingly, you can't get a refund for PAYG credit. I don't want this money to go to waste.</p>
<p>I could donate it to charity via a <a href="https://www.dec.org.uk/how-you-can-help">text to donate number</a>, but I wanted to see if I could find another option.</p>
<h4 id="How to top up your Apple ID balance with mobile credit">How to top up your Apple ID balance with mobile credit</h4>
<p>I discovered that I can add my mobile phone as a payment option on my iPhone and transfer most of my PAYG credit to my Apple ID balance. To do this, go to Settings, click on your name at the top to access your Apple ID. Then click "Payment & Shipping" and "Add Payment Method". You will then see this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQGC4_q0EKo/YMI7GFLWZRI/AAAAAAABKgo/0sXGabE_cIw9OnSCzRfnIL5i6C_1ggzfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1617/top-up-apple-id-balance-with-mobile-credit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to top up your Apple ID with mobile phone credit." border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQGC4_q0EKo/YMI7GFLWZRI/AAAAAAABKgo/0sXGabE_cIw9OnSCzRfnIL5i6C_1ggzfACLcBGAsYHQ/w318-h400/top-up-apple-id-balance-with-mobile-credit.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<p>Select "Mobile Phone" and "Use This Mobile Number". This option is available in the UK for customers of EE, O2 and Three (via <a href="http://www.three.co.uk/threepay">Three Pay</a>).</p>
<p>I then removed any other payment methods so that I could be sure any payment I made would be taken off my mobile phone credit. (I added my other payment methods back later.)</p>
<p>Then click back to your Apple ID settings and select "Media & Purchases" and "View Account". Then click "Add Funds to Apple ID". I was able to add £8.80 of my £9.39 credit, leaving only £0.59 behind. You have to transfer whole pounds and it seemed like I had to leave at least £0.50 credit on my Three account. It's actually quite useful to have a small amount of credit left just in case I need it while I'm waiting for my mobile number to be transferred to my new network.</p>
<p>I'll use my Apple ID balance to pay for iCloud storage, but it could also pay for any subscriptions, such as <a href="https://www.strava.com/">Strava</a> or <a href="https://bear.app/">Bear Pro</a>.</p>
<h4 id="Why I'm switching from Three to SMARTY">Why I'm switching from Three to SMARTY</h4>
<p>I'm <a href="https://i.smarty.co.uk/hG0KoK">switching to SMARTY</a> because, in lockdown, I barely use my 4 GB of data, which I get from a monthly £10 add-on. Ideally, I'd use <a href="https://www.giffgaff.com/">giffgaff</a>, but they still don't support wifi calling, which is essential in my highly insulated eco house, which destroys mobile reception indoors. On SMARTY, I expect to spend £6 a month, and could even be refunded up to £1 if I don't use the 1 GB data allowance on the data discount plan. Any additional data costs £1 per GB, so I won't be paying for data that I don't use and can't roll over. I also found Three annoying because my older SIM card wouldn't let me set up auto-renewing payments each month.</p>
<h4 id="Switch to SMARTY and get a free month">Switch to SMARTY and get a free month</h4>
<p>If you think you're spending too much on your mobile phone bill and want to try SMARTY yourself, you can get a free month if you <a href="https://i.smarty.co.uk/hG0KoK">sign up with this referral link</a>. You'll be treating me to a free month, too. (Thanks!)</p>Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com9Bicester, UK51.899603 -1.153589923.589369163821154 -36.3098399 80.209836836178852 34.0026601tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-44806037968389953582020-09-16T21:56:00.001+01:002021-09-05T20:01:42.834+01:00My 2019 10Q answersTime for a little self-reflection. I've done <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">10Q</a> every year since <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>. It's becoming quite a good record of the past decade of my life. Reading my answers again, I get that familiar feeling that a lot has changed; and yet some problems are still bugging me.<br />
<br />
Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">2017</a> and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2019/10/my-2018-10q-answers.html">2018</a>. And this is what I wrote about last year (2019):<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 1:</h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>This has been the most significant year of my life so far. I married Fran on 16 February. Actually, we got legally married two days before, on Valentine's Day, and then had our wedding. It was the most wonderful, emotional 8-day stretch of my life so far. I'm so grateful that everything went well, that our guests had a good time, that I was so happy and joyful. I was on cloud 9. We got married at Oxford Register Office on Thursday with a small group of immediate friends and family. On Friday we set up the reception at Wytham Village Hall. On Saturday we had our wedding ceremony at Convocation House, part of the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Then the reception. On Sunday we cleared up at Wytham. Fran and I then spent the night in London to get the early train to Paris the next morning. We had three nights in Paris for our minimoon. Utter bliss. I didn't get much sleep. My mind was buzzing. My heart was filled with joy and love. So much joy and love, in fact, that it frequently burst out of my face and eyes. I was an emotional wreck; a very happy one.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>I'm still so proud of our wedding. I'm sure everyone thinks their own wedding is the best one they've ever been to. But ours really was - for us. I think it expressed who we are beautifully. I have so many happy memories. The photos by our friend, Dave, are beautiful, black and white, and candid, not posed. We shared our favourite music. We gave lovely speeches. There were some really nice little touches.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trying to think what I've regretted this year. I'm getting quite good at not hanging on to regret. When I put up the shelves in the kitchen with my parents a couple of weeks ago, I made a mistake when measuring where to put the bracket. I should have measured twice. Measured from the middle point. It was a very deliberate mistake. But even when you're being careful, you can still slip up. I drilled 8 holes in the wall the size of a pound coin unnecessarily that we weren't able to use. But you can't see them because the shelf covers them up, so it doesn't matter. I've come a long way.</div><div><br /></div><div>My lovely wife (still feels weird to say that!) has helped me remember that I made a mistake when booking our train tickets home from Paris for our honeymoon in September. I somehow managed to book them a day later than planned. This really bothered me at the time. I was so annoyed with myself. But it turned out to be a brilliant piece of luck. It meant our journey home was slower and more relaxed. We didn't have to make any connections in Paris. We had a whole extra day to spend together in a city that has become really special for us. We're both really glad it happened. If only all of my mistakes and missteps could be so fortuitous!</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>My family has officially grown. I have joined two families together: the Whalens and the Wheares. Have I mentioned that I got married this year? There was a lovely bit towards the end of our wedding day when all my family, the Whalens, got together for some photos in the marquee. It was just us, and our friend, Alex, who took the pictures. All 6 original Whalens, plus Laura's 5 children, her partner, Garry, and my brother Richard's girlfriend, Zoe. That's the first time we've all been together. I hadn't even met two of Laura's latest children. And I hadn't met Garry before. It must have been back in 2013, maybe even 2012, the last time we all got together. I'm sure I could figure it out if I thought about it hard enough. Maybe 2014. Anyway, too long. It was in Bristol at 3 Great Brockeridge, my parents' house.</div><div><br /></div><div>How has this affected me? Life kind of just carries on. I've had an amazing year, but I still get bummed out, still get bored at work, want to leave and find another job, still get grumpy. I feel a bit more grown-up, though. But I think I've taken things in my stride. I can totally see why people get married and have weddings. I get it now. I feel very secure and happy and content. My life is a joy, most of the time.</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>Greta Thunberg. She has really helped to make me even more conscious about my environmental impact and consumer decisions. It's been a big year for spending. We bought a house, an eco house, in an eco town on the edge of Bicester. It's also partly moving to a community like this that encourages us to change our behaviours and habits. We test drove an electric car this morning. By this time next year, we will probably own an electric car.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was really inspired when I learned that Greta travels around Europe by train. I therefore haven't flown this year and don't intend to anytime soon - if ever again. The last time I flew was still in this 10Q year, back in October-November 2018 on our way to and from Rio in Brazil. This has impacted me because, when I went to Geneva in May for a week of training at UNAIDS, I decided not to fly. I got the train instead. And it was great. It meant I had to sacrifice a bank holiday, but it was totally worth it. I liked it so much, in fact, that we travelled by train to the Amalfi coast in Italy for our honeymoon. You don't need to fly in Europe. The train might be a bit more expensive and take a bit longer, but it's a pleasant, comfortable way to travel. UNAIDS refused to pay the full cost of the train; they paid what it would have cost to fly. And my employer, Torchbox, very kindly and nobly agreed to pay the rest. They also gave me half a day of time off in lieu for the lost bank holiday. Not a bad deal.</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>A passage from the Bible made me cry so hard. We were preparing for our wedding ceremony with Elaine and Stephen Dando. Elaine was our celebrant and my mum's best friend from school. She and Stephen are semi-retired vicars. They spent a lovely afternoon at our house in Oxford discussing our ideas for the ceremony and helping us to shape them into a proper "god-adjacent" service. We were discussing which readings we might have. I wanted all four of our parents to speak during the course of the wedding. My mum, Moira, had written her speech way back in May 2018, shortly after I proposed to Fran, when we asked if she'd like to speak at the reception. I think she wrote it the very same night. Fran's dad, Tom, spoke at the reception. But we also got my dad and Fran's mum to do some readings during the ceremony. Sandy chose his own reading. Ros, I think, didn't want to choose; or we chose this for her. I remember that Moira always used to wax lyrical about how much she loved the Song of Solomon, the Song of Songs, from the Bible. Elaine had it on a print out for us. Not the King James Version. Something a bit more modern, but that I actually much prefer. Elaine read it so beautifully, so simply. I cried so hard. I don't quite know why. It's a very emotional thing, planning your wedding, thinking deeply about who you are, who we are, what matters. We wrote our vows as well. I was very moved. I cried, again, at the same point in the real ceremony, blurting out of my nose, making Fran laugh. But I hadn't cried so hard in front of Elaine and Stephen and Fran that day since we watched <i>Your Father's Murderer</i>. It may, in fact, have been the hardest I've cried in my adult life. Cleansing. Therapeutic. Perhaps a little embarrassing. Almost like I was baptizing myself with my own tears. That passage helped to root the ceremony in tradition, even if everything else was new and just for us or borrowed from other weddings we have enjoyed. I've had a very tearful year, in a good way.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I would like to be driving an electric vehicle by this time next year. It's important to me because I want to limit my use of fossil fuels and limit the damage I'm doing to the environment. I'm now convinced that it's time to go electric. I was toying with the idea of a plug-in hybrid because we make some longer journeys each year. But now you can get cars with a range of up to 250 miles, which is enough to get to Zeals and Falmouth and Wales; and to do Scotland with one charge. We need to stop for petrol once on the way to Scotland anyway. I'm totally up for it. We had our first test drive this morning. I spoke to one of my neighbours, an EV Champion, during the week. And I've booked some more test drives for two weeks' time. It would feel great to drive to work each day in an electric car, knowing that I've reduced my emissions. I would also have a shiny new car. We would probably lease it instead of buying it outright or doing a Personal Contract Purchase.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>Hmm. My life is already good. We're eating less meat. I still eat a lot of salty snacks, but they bring me so much joy I'm not sure I really want to cut down. I do wish I was happier at work. It's an old refrain, isn't it? I have been thinking more seriously about going freelance or quitting my job at Torchbox and getting a job at the Government Digital Service or Conversion Rate Experts. I've had a tough week at work. I was really miserable on Tuesday and Wednesday. This quite often happens when I've got client meetings or training sessions coming up. I would like to feel like I do every Monday. I've been working a 4-day week since the beginning of June, taking Mondays off work at Torchbox to focus on my freelance projects and, occasionally, catch up on life admin. It's so good realizing on Saturday and Sunday evenings that I'm not going back to work on Monday, that Monday is mine again. I highly recommend this to anyone, if you can afford it. I can't afford not to do it now. It's been brilliant.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to continue stripping away the unnecessary, the glum-making, the wasteful of time and money and energy. I want to live simply and wholly. I don't want things hanging over me. I want to strip back, declutter (my mind and my possessions).</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not really thinking of a specific piece of advice. I've absorbed a lot of ideas about how to live. I read a book about freelancing by a former colleague at Torchbox, Steve Jalim. I'd like to stop some habits that aren't helpful or useful. But some of these make me who I am. Do I want to get rid of that?</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>I want to read or listen to a bit more of Malcolm Gladwell. I always enjoy his podcasts with Bill Simmons. I might start listening to audio books in the car - much as I love my NFL podcasts. Maybe I could start on that after the NFL season. I can just about keep up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to see if there's a role for me in the UX team at Torchbox. I feel like I need a change, but I want to make sure I'm doing more of the work I'm good at, not more of the work that makes me anxious and depressed. I want to be doing stuff, not talking and consulting and meta-working. So I want to dig into whether that's going to work for me. It would give me the opportunity to introduce more of the ideas from <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FANENI">Making Websites Win</a></i> into the company. I can be the evangelist. I need to take on a bit of risk and make a role for myself. I might not even have a line manager. Although I know who I'd want my line manager to be. Hi Dave Harris! I suspect things will be different at work this time next year. I hope so!</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3><div>I'm afraid of leaving Torchbox. I worry that it would be like leaving Manchester United as a player. It might not be better anywhere else. (Although this is the Manchester United of my youth I'm thinking about. I know the club has seen better days. It is no longer on top of the world.) I've been toying with the idea of going on sabbatical: going to work for GDS or CRE on the understanding that there would be a place for me at Torchbox if I wanted to return after a year or two, to share what I've learned. It's worked for some other people: Ben, Nick, Dave Harris - all have left and come back.</div><div><br /></div><div>How has this limited me? I may have left by now and found a happier, more fulfilling job elsewhere. But it's been such a big year with the wedding, buying a house, the honeymoon, that a new job as well would be a lot. Maybe that's next year's project. Fran got a new job this year, but it still hasn't solved all the things that she worries about. No job ever will. Let's face it. For any of us.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I could give this UX role a real try for a few months in the new year. And if it's not working, or not coming to fruition, I could quit. Go freelance. Apply for CRE or GDS or somewhere else that inspires me. There is life beyond Torchbox. Quitting stuff has worked for me before.</div>
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2020 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I hope I'll be in a better place with work. Fitter. Happier. More productive. Not worrying too much. Regular exercise at the gym, for both of us - whether that's an actual gym or our own cycling, swimming and walking routines. I might also be slightly ashamed how little I've mentioned how wonderful Fran is. She is the reason my life is so good at the moment. Let's face it. But this is introspective. It's self-reflective. Although I did promise to think of us before me in our wedding vows. I hope things are just the same, but a little smoother around the edges, a little less cluttered of mind, of inbox, of to-do list, of second bedroom.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Electric vehicle. Are we still in?<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester OX27 8BP, UK51.924468 -1.161090723.614234163821152 -36.3173407 80.234701836178843 33.9951593tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-13568338301116686232019-10-12T19:58:00.000+01:002019-10-12T20:08:16.874+01:00My 2018 10Q answersHere we are again. A little later than previous years because it's been so hectic. I've only just binge-answered my questions for this year. But here's what I was thinking this time last year - a year that set me up for the biggest year of my life so far. This year I got married, bought an eco house and went on my honeymoon. This is what came before.<br />
<br />
I've done this every year since <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>. As the leaves glow in the last of the summer warmth, it's a good time to reflect back on growth and stagnation, beauty and falls; and look into the haze of what is to come. If you want to do it yourself this year, and you're reading this before 23:59 on Sunday 13 October 2019, there's still time to sign up at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>, where you will be prompted to answer a question each day for 11 days (or 11 questions in one session if you're rushing to beat the vault slamming shut tomorrow night).<br />
<br />
Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a> and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">2017</a>. And this was on my mind a year ago in September 2018:<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Day 1:</b></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I proposed to my girlfriend, Fran, in the sea off the west coast of Wales and she said yes! I'd been thinking about it for a while, not least <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2018/09/my-2017-10q-answers.html">during 10Q last year</a>, when I started the clock ticking by writing about it. I thought about how I wanted to do it. I decided that I wouldn't wait to ask our parents for their blessing first because I wanted Fran to be the first to know. But we had a number of lovely phone calls with our parents when we got back to the bungalow in the evening. It made everything special for a while. It still is, but we've got used to the idea. It has made us both happier than we were. I think we both knew we wanted it. I'm relieved she said yes, but I never really doubted she would. I'm inspired because I think our wedding next February will be special and will hopefully reflect the people that we were before we met, are together, and have become.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm quite proud that I've held my ground at work. Things haven't always been happy, particularly with my line manager. I've persevered through the difficult times rather than quitting and finding another job, which has been tempting. In the past week I've received some really nice feedback from four different clients. It's always nice to know that my work is appreciated.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Fran's sister, Clare, got married to Rob in April. I wanted to wait until after their wedding before proposing to Fran. I did it the following weekend! I didn't want to detract from their special time, so I was happy to wait. Being involved in their wedding also gave us some ideas about what we do and don't want to do on our wedding day.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I feel like every year the outside world has less impact on me. I now consume very little news, most of it passive. There have been times, such as when I was in sixth form, when I read the paper every day. Now I just occasionally do the crossword and the weekend quiz. I don't listen to Radio 4 when I wake up in the mornings or in the car on the way to work. I don't watch TV news. My news comes secondhand and in headlines I see on social media. But also in more depth and at greater distance in podcasts. I do this for self-protection because I know the news can have a negative impact on my mental health.<br />
<br />
GDPR has had the biggest impact at work, but I'm glad to be working for an agency rather than have to be responsible for it in-house. A lot of the reaction seems silly to me and over-cautious. I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions. There was that crazy week leading up to 25 May when any organisation who ever collected my email address emailed me to inform me about their new privacy policy. Some of my favourite sites, such as Instapaper, have also been unavailable for a while until they get their house in order. It seems against the fucking point of the internet to shut down your operations in a country for regulatory reasons. I'm also not precious about my personal data as long as I'm able to opt out easily.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I was driving home from work yesterday, two turns from my road. A girl cycled past. She was young, perhaps 12 or 13, and reminded me of "Ladybird". She had a blissful look on her face, as if she was singing along to music that may have been playing through her headphones. There was promise in her eyes and excitement about what was to come. She still seemed to be discovering and creating who she was. As I rounded the corner, I realized that Fran and I have already become the people we're going to become. You are who your record says you are. We are who we thought we were. We're not going to change that much. We've fulfilled our potential, reached adulthood. We're close to buying a house together, for goodness' sake. I felt OK with this. I'm mostly happy with who I am. There are a few things I will continue to try to tweak, but I'm comfortable in my skin. I'm not going to play rugby for Scotland; I'm not going to be a journalist and a writer of books (well, maybe one day…); I'm not going to have a DPhil; I'm no longer a card-carrying Joycean (although I still carry it in my heart); <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/10/why-i-quit-refereeing-rugby-union.html">I'm not a referee</a>; I'm not a member of Sol Samba. I've quit a lot of things. I'm honing myself down rather than adding more layers. So this was spiritual in the sense of passing another young soul and realizing that my soul is settled, has found a home, a partner, a comfort. A very gentle revelation, but a revelation, a realization nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to buy a house. There. I've said it. Another milestone on the way to boring adulthood. I never thought I'd buy a house. I couldn't afford it. But Fran's parents gave us a very generous gift at the end of last year, which has changed our thinking about the possibilities. We now realize that we're in a very fortunate position. We're a lot better off than others - although the part of the country we live in means our money doesn't go as a far as it would do elsewhere. We joke when watching "Location, Location, Location" that we could buy two or three houses for that price. We also joke that even if we won the Premium Bonds, we still couldn't afford to buy a house in our street. We've been looking in earnest since the beginning of the year. I put the brakes on to make sure we'd spent enough time looking to see what's out there; mentally testing what it would be like to live elsewhere, in the country, or in another town or another part of town. We're quite close to buying something. We've got an appointment on Sunday to be financially approved for a new housing development called Elmsbrook in north-west Bicester. We saw this early in the year, and probably could have bought then, but I wanted to wait a bit. I'm glad we did. Things could start to move very quickly over the next few weeks. But we won't actually complete until Q2 next year, which suits us perfectly: coming after the wedding and after the break clause in our current tenancy. To be honest, I'd be quite happy to continue living where we are; but there is an appeal to owning something new and shiny and making it our own, starting a new chapter in life, perhaps making a community around us. Living by example. I've lived in Oxford for half my life. It's part of my identity. So I am somewhat reluctant to leave.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I know I should eat less salt, fewer salty snacks and treats, exercise more, read more, spend less time playing fucking "New Star Soccer" or whatever my latest mild addiction is on my phone. I don't have the willpower. Or I know things aren't serious enough yet. But I'll probably regret it one day. But why not enjoy life? Why feel guilty? It's an ongoing thing that I've probably written about in previous years. I should get more sleep. Phone my parents more often. Is it getting boring yet? It's a tradition that I bang on about the same old things until eventually I realize that I've changed. It's worked in other parts of my life, so why not this one?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I want to see if I can influence the culture of my company, Torchbox, to be more like the philosophy in <a href="https://amzn.to/2M7Vfno">"Making Websites Win"</a>. I found it incredibly inspiring to read this book. I wanted to work for an organization that thinks and works like that. I could take the easy route and quit my job and go to work for Conversion Rate Experts. But I want to try this first. I know there are some people who agree with me, who will be equally inspired. This might mean speaking about the book in a Short Sharing Session (on my to-do list); or overseeing a project that follows these principles. My line manager is supportive; as are Tom and Olly, the directors (I think); and Will, our salesman, is interested. We just need to find the right clients and the right team and way of working. I'm sure I'll find it frustrating and disappointing and underwhelming. But I'm prepared to give it a go.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm afraid of having children. I'm not planning to let it go or overcome it in the coming year. I don't feel ready for it yet. We were just saying over dinner this evening that we're glad we're not young and that we don't want to be responsible for brining a new person into a world that has to deal with all the shite that young people face on the internet and in life. I'm sure there's a whole part of my brain and personality that isn't be exercised by my child phobia, but I'm happy for it to be dormant for the time being. Its time will come if it's meant to be. Everything will be alright in the end, and if it's not alright, it's not the end.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2019 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I'll feel the same as I usually do: glad I did it, not particularly surprised by anything; pleased to see some development, even if at a glacial pace. Even the big moments in life, like proposing to Fran, are taken in stride. I wonder if I will feel any different about the children thing. That's a recurring theme from previous years. Will being married make me feel any different? I'm not looking forward to all the sly (and not-so-sly) hints about it, particularly on our wedding day. I got really upset when someone said that during the speeches at Dave Harris's wedding. You may be family, but it's none of your fucking business. I may have to put my very gently 'booted foot down and make it known that that kind of comment is not welcome.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Brazil, wedding, house, honeymoon, love, joy.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bicester51.924468 -1.161090699999931551.885279 -1.2417716999999315 51.963657 -1.0804096999999315tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-9003519302643810542018-09-14T22:41:00.001+01:002018-09-14T22:41:11.538+01:00My 2017 10Q answersThere's no mistake, I smell that smell, it's that time of year again when I share what I was thinking about this time last year. I've done this every year since <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>. As the leaves glow in the last of the summer warmth, it's a good time to reflect back on growth and stagnation, beauty and falls; and look into the haze of what is to come. If you want to do it yourself this year, there's still time to sign up at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>, where you will be prompted to answer a question each day for 11 days. We're already on day 6 and I need to catch up!<br />
<br />
Here are my answers from <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a> and <a href="https://www.domeheid.com/2017/09/my-2016-10q-answers.html">2016</a>. And this was on my mind a year ago in September 2017:<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Day 1:</b></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Nothing really springs to mind, but something did happen yesterday that took me by surprise. I had a call with one of my long-term freelance clients, for whom I'm building a new website to promote their holiday cottage. This work was commissioned in May, but I'm only just getting round to finishing it in September. I've had a busy summer and my free time is quite limited living with Fran because I want to spend quality time with her. I had very few free weekends and I don't always have the time or energy in the evenings after work.<br />
<br />
I was expecting this call to be an opportunity to demonstrate the progress I've made and get the site ready to go live. I was quite shocked when my client, Chris Goodall, said he wanted to abandon the project. He's not happy with the site. He couldn't get the booking system to work. It seemed incomplete. I tried to make my case that we weren't that far off being finished, but his mind seemed made up. He's still going to pay me, but it seems such a waste to quit now.<br />
<br />
This seemed out of character. I wonder what else might be going on in his life to have provoked this. Or is he really just disappointed in me? Have I let him down? I do feel guilty for taking so long and the WordPress theme I chose is a bit botched together with a slightly crappy user interface and documentation, but I was starting to feel happy with what I'd done.<br />
<br />
I may try to give it another go by email in the next few days when I send him the invoice. I'd like the opportunity to do a face-to-face demo. Some of his feedback seemed irrational, like the fact that the menus were in the wrong order - such an easy thing to fix!<br />
<br />
It knocked my confidence a bit. Talking it through with Fran helped me vent. But I've managed to recover my pep today with a good day working from home on my real job.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I tend not to have too many regrets nowadays. There are times when I could have done things better at work; but I am quite influenced by my mood sometimes and I'm impatient with people. I also get really frustrated when I'm interrupted and I can't get into the flow and if there's too much noise and too many distractions around me.<br />
<br />
I am quite proud of how much my JavaScript knowledge has improved. It has become really useful in Google Tag Manager tracking. I feel like I understand it so much more and I love solving problems with JavaScript. I’m proud of the possibilities it has opened up for me.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think my sister Laura had another baby, Brock. I've kind of lost count and haven't met the last couple: Ena and Brock. It hasn't really affected me at all. I was really interested when her first, Rebe, was born, but now they've kind of all merged into one and we're not in touch very much anymore. She has five children now: Rebe, Bennie, Joa, Ena and Brock. It was always a family joke how many children my Aunt Beth had (six), but now Laura has almost equalled her.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Donald Trump was elected president of the United States. I listened to a lot of podcasts about the election all year from before the primaries all the way through until the Inauguration: the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/fivethirtyeight-politics/id1077418457?mt=2">Five Thirty-Eight elections podcast</a> and The Ringer's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/keepin-it-1600/id1111751047?mt=2">"Keepin' it 1600"</a>. It was entertaining as they made fun of Trump and the fucked up Republican Party - until Trump actually won. So many elections have gone against me recently. I feel like I'm always on the losing side. We've also stopped listening to the news in the morning on Radio 4, so I don't really know what's going on in the world anymore. I don't like listening to the 6 o'clock news on Radio 4 because it depresses me on the way home from work; and I prefer to listen to podcasts in the car. I always feel like these things don't really change my life that much. Sometimes they just feel like interesting stories that you can get really involved in but they never actually change your way of life - except that they depress and exasperate you.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
It's happened at Notting Hill Carnival before and it happened again this year. It was the Saturday of carnival weekend and I was rehearsing with Baque do Axé in Richmond with Rumenig and Pai Jara from Maracatu Nação do Porto Rico. We were playing a basic rhythm while standing in a big circle with Rumenig in the middle. He starts playing virado and it sounds AMAZING! It's effortless and elegant and cool and awesome. (Bit of context: Rumenig takes the history and culture of maracatu really seriously. I went to a workshop in Oxford at Sol Samba and he spent about two thirds of the time talking and only a tiny bit teaching us how to drum. It's really important to him that we understand where the music comes from and respect his ancestors and their proud culture and traditions.) Anyway, he's playing this amazing rhythm over the top and I swear I can hear his ancestors screaming and crying out over the music. I was genuinely moved and amazed by what I was hearing. I couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from.<br />
<br />
Later that weekend, I realized it was his ancestors I was hearing; just a more recent ancestor: his uncle Pai Jara, who was in the room and screamed with a kind of joy and exhilaration! I really felt it, though. It was pretty special.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to speak to my outlaws: Fran's parents, Tom and Ros, and ask for their permission and blessing to ask Fran to marry me. By writing this now, I'm kind of setting the clock ticking, aren't I? I've been thinking about it quite a lot recently. At Vicky and Lee's wedding, during the speeches, Vicky's dad explained how he was touched that Lee would do such an old-fashioned thing as to ask her parents for their daughter's hand in marriage. I wouldn't put it quite in such a way, but I do like the idea of being respectful. I think I know what their answer would be - they may even laugh at the fact that I'm asking - but I think they would enjoy being asked. But I also want to ask my own parents, too, for their blessing and permission. The tricky thing is keeping it secret from Fran and managing to do it in the right order and soon enough. Fran's parents first, I think. And it has to be in person; not over the phone or by email! I also want it to be in person with my parents. The problem is getting that time alone together and allowing the outlaws enough time to recover from it so that they don't give the game away when Fran comes back. I can't just do it when she's out of the room. It's also weird to think that Fran would be the fifth person to hear of my intention to marry her. Maybe I need to think this through a bit more…<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I always want to get more stuff done. I still haven't unpacked my DVDs and CDs and I've been living in this house for over a year. I guess this means they're not that important to me. I've been thinking about just selling them on Music Magpie or giving them away to charity and treating myself to a Spotify subscription or allowing myself to share Fran's. I don't listen to music that much. One of the blockers that's stopping me is I want to digitize my music collection (rip my CDs to MP3) before selling them. I don't have anywhere to put them and I like the idea of getting rid of clutter and making a bit of money out of it. But I just never have the time or energy to get around to it. I'd rather be doing other things.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to continue losing a bit of weight. I'm about 6kg less than I was at my heaviest living alone in Kidlington. But I'm still a bit podgy and overweight. The problem is we really enjoy our food and I don't want to deny myself the pleasure!<br />
<br />
I was thinking that I might regret the decisions and lifestyle I'm leading now later in life. But I'm not willing enough to change it at the moment.<br />
<br />
I have also been entertaining the idea of leaving Torchbox or moving to Bristol (partly because Fran is applying for a job at Bristol University at the moment and has been offered a second interview).<br />
<br />
I'm pretty happy with life on the whole at the moment.<br />
<br />
I can't really think of some wise counsel that anyone has given me. I do like the concept of learning <a href="https://amzn.to/2CZrpim">how not to give a fuck</a> and being much more protective of your fuck budget and choosing how to spend your fucks. For example, I don't give a fuck about Sol Samba at the moment and haven't wanted to go back to rehearsals. I think this idea was starting to sprout this time last year, but I hadn't watched the TED talk about it yet. <a href="https://youtu.be/GwRzjFQa_Og">The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck</a>. Fran and I use this in conversation when we're debating whether we want to do something. Right now, for example, I don't really have enough fucks to give to go to the Torchbox pub quiz night. I'd rather stay at home and do my own thing.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Fran's dad, Tom, bought me a second-hand WWII book about <a href="https://amzn.to/2OnbNGI">the fall of France</a> that's been sitting on my bedside table for a few weeks (months?). We got into a really interesting discussion shortly after we saw <a href="https://amzn.to/2OnbY4T">"Dunkirk"</a> at the cinema. I'd love to have the time and energy to read about that kind of stuff. I remember my uncle Trev was really into his military history. He used to read these massive hardback books really quickly. I'm jealous of fast readers. But I also think they sometimes cheat and don't read every word; don't read things properly. I know Fran's like this.<br />
<br />
I also want to interrogate the idea of getting married to Fran. There are times when I feel like it; and times when I don't feel like it. When you live with someone and spend a lot of time together, you realize that there are parts of them - behaviours, attitudes, opinions - that aren't attractive; you also realize these things in yourself and feel bad about them. Your weaknesses and flaws are reflected back at you when you see the effect they can have on another person.<br />
<br />
I'm not fussed about getting married, really. I can see organizing the wedding would be a hassle and would lead to stressful disagreements. But I've also really enjoyed parts of other people's weddings and really like that they are a celebration of two people's lives - both together and before they knew each other. I love the speeches at weddings because you get to learn more about the person from their family's perspective. But all the expense and waste! I don't want to be drawn into something that doesn't express who I am and who we are. Plus there's also Clare and Rob's wedding and christening coming up sometime in the next year. I don't want to be the second London bus.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm afraid of the prospect of having children. To be honest, I don't really want them. At the moment. I'm open-minded about this. I realize my feelings may change. Other people my age are getting married and having children. I don't feel the pressure. But I do wonder if that will ever be me; if I ever want it to be me. I'm too selfish for children at the moment. It's hard enough to make the compromises living with one other person, let alone two or more. The problem with children is that, once you have them, there's no going back to the way things were before.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if this has limited me. We all get there in our own sweet time; or decide to wander down a different path. I guess it makes me more reluctant to ask Fran to marry me because there might be a pressure lurking there somewhere to start thinking about children. I guess we really need to talk about this to find out how we both feel about it.<br />
<br />
When we were on holiday in Kefalonia this year, we went through the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/fashion/modern-love-to-fall-in-love-with-anyone-do-this.html">36 questions</a> we used at the beginning of our relationship to get to know each other a little bit. I had read something that claimed these questions could help any two people fall in love. It kinda worked! Anyway, these questions would be a way to have some serious conversations about our life together. There was one question, towards the end, that we weren't able or willing to answer: "If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?" What I was thinking about, but never actually said because it didn't feel like the right time, was that I was thinking about asking Fran to marry me. Not then and there; but sometime in the future. I'd want her to know that I was at least thinking about it if I was going to die.<br />
<br />
She also had something she was going to say, but she decided against saying it. I wonder if it was about marriage or kids. Or something else entirely. I haven't really pressed her on this since. I could tell she was uncomfortable and conflicted about it and less willing to talk unless I opened up about what I was thinking, too.<br />
<br />
How do I plan on overcoming this fear, this reticence? I guess we'll talk about it again when the time feels right. But the time will probably never feel right. It's probably just one of those things you have to force yourself to do; and then when you do it, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.<br />
<br />
I fear it could be the beginning of the end of our relationship if Fran wants kids and I don't. It came up very early on when the stakes were low. I know Fran wants children; but she is also exasperated, like I am, with other people's kids. I'm happy with cats for now. I wonder if she's more ready than I am.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2018 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I think I'll be glad I did it again, logging another chapter in my life. This time next year I will either have done something about asking Fran to marry or feel awkward about why I haven't done anything yet. I hope Fran will be happier in her job. Perhaps she will be in a new job or her boss will have left. I hope we're still living in Oxford. I don't know how much of an impact 10Q this year will have had on me. As usual, it has come at a busy time of year. I haven't been able to answer the questions each day. I've done them in batches and these last couple of answers are done shortly before the vault closes.<br />
<br />
I feel a bit pestered by having a lack of time at the moment. Maybe it's because I spend so much of it watching the NFL! But I've felt a bit under pressure from Chris Goodall and Charlotte Brewer to do my freelance work for them. Maybe I will have decided not to take on any more freelance work. I don't seem to have the same enthusiasm or energy for it lately.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Will I ask her the question?<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-68815421119368532782017-11-11T12:35:00.000+00:002018-03-20T13:31:03.146+00:00NBC Sunday Night Football 2017 theme song lyricsStand up and cheer, stomp your feet, start clappin'<br />
NBC Sunday Night about to happen<br />
<br />
Ooh…<br />
<br />
America's game, been waitin' all day<br />
[Raiders and the Skins]* have come to play<br />
Al, Cris, Michele, turn it up<br />
It's the NFL, can't get enough<br />
<br />
Ooh…<br />
<br />
Got a battle tonight, a winner take all<br />
Ain't nothin' like Sunday Night Football<br />
It's outta control, get set, let's go<br />
The clock's windin' down, let's rock and roll<br />
<br />
Ooh…<br />
<br />
Stand up and cheer, stomp your feet, start clappin'<br />
NBC Sunday Night about to happen<br />
The hits keep comin' and the lights keep flashin'<br />
Come on, come on, get ready for the action<br />
<br />
Ooh, Sunday Night (Sunday Night)<br />
Ooh, Sunday Night (Sunday Night)<br />
Ooh, Sunday Night (Sunday Night)<br />
Sunday Night!<br />
<br />
* Insert team names here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3AEF-vb6TQg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3AEF-vb6TQg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-66691819922677731542017-09-16T18:03:00.003+01:002017-09-16T18:06:14.650+01:00My 2016 10Q answers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIh4dgmYYvlCfhXXxODnsw3ORteFcnHMtdpdc34w1WSY5AnW-KiceunPx2Adu4W_lO1IvyU-RYKH9JdaEgL-bqUnSWiqjPAzpeAKmPUyz2YOMq-k-UVi0lruALG87Bel_g2qTGg/s1600/stourhead-autumn-2015-11-07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIh4dgmYYvlCfhXXxODnsw3ORteFcnHMtdpdc34w1WSY5AnW-KiceunPx2Adu4W_lO1IvyU-RYKH9JdaEgL-bqUnSWiqjPAzpeAKmPUyz2YOMq-k-UVi0lruALG87Bel_g2qTGg/s400/stourhead-autumn-2015-11-07.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stourhead, 7 November 2015.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Every autumn I go through this <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">process of self-reflection</a> by answering a question each day for 11 days. I like the document it creates of my past selves. You can read my answers from <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014</a> and <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2016/10/my-2015-10q-answers.html">2015</a> as well). Here are my answers from 2016:<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Day 1:</b></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I moved in with my girlfriend, Fran, 6 weeks ago. It's been lovely. I've moved from my house out of town in Kidlington back to my old neighbourhood, Jericho. This makes my commute longer (more time for podcasts!) but also means we can get into town much quicker and we're only 5 minutes' walk from our local cinema.<br />
<br />
Being with Fran is great. We get on really well; can balance each other's ups and downs; love spending time together, cooking and eating, making our house into a home, making gradual improvements to the way we live.<br />
<br />
When we lived apart, we spent a lot of time planning the logistics of seeing each other and travelling back and forth between Kidlington and Wolvercote and making trips into town. Now we come home to each other every evening and can put our slippers and pyjamas on as early as we like without having to go out again.<br />
<br />
I'm getting to that (middle) age where I resent having made plans in the evenings and at weekends. I'd much rather stay home with Fran, sleep in, and make our own plans for the day - even if that's mostly planning when to have the next meal and what to eat.<br />
<br />
I'm really grateful to have met Fran and made such a good start to our relationship. I've felt very comfortable with her from the very beginning. We soon settled into a nice pattern of seeing each other. We could have moved in together much earlier, but I moved into my own place shortly after we met and wanted a bit of time to try living by myself. The natural cycle of tenancy agreements also delayed it somewhat. But we decided earlier this year to start looking for places to live together. Our first search was unfruitful. But when we tried again, after one horrible Saturday of seeing three dreadful places in a row (well, the last one wasn't that bad), I heard from my old landlords in Jericho that they had this flat available and we could take it before it even went on the market. I'm so glad to be here with my old landlords in my favourite part of Oxford.<br />
<br />
It's a relief that things have worked out so well. But then I believe that if you let the world know you're looking to make a change, it's more likely to happen. That's kind of how I met Fran in the first place. But that's another story…<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I wish I'd been better at handling my workload at work this year. It's still an ongoing problem. Over the past few months I've struggled to deliver all the hours I've been allocated. I don't really know why my productivity has dipped. I get interrupted quite a lot and have found it hard to get into the flow and maintain flow for long periods of time. Slack (the instant messaging app) doesn't help: being interrupted. Nor does having my email open. In some ways I know how to fix it (or at least make improvements), but it's hard to break habits. I wonder what's holding me back. And why.<br />
<br />
I had some interesting conversations at work today. I talked to my boss about these issues yesterday and my other boss suggested today that my time might be required elsewhere in the company - perhaps helping with more pitches for new business. I had a really good meeting at Chatham House last week and think I've impressed some people with my knowledge and ideas. I think my role will continue to develop. Maybe I just need a change to keep me interested. (Not a change of job or company, I might add!)<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wonder if I'm better at presenting ideas than actually working on the long-term projects to make them a reality. I'm a bit of a magpie: attracted to shiny new things and less motivated by the everyday grind of just getting things done. Does that make me a salesman? I don't know how I feel about that.<br />
<br />
But it brings back some of the same guilt and procrastination I struggled with throughout my failed DPhil thesis. This problem isn't particular to last year: it's been a recurring theme in my life for the past decade.<br />
<br />
There are things I'm proud about, too. I know I can deliver good work. I get some really nice feedback from clients every now and again. But that's coupled with the shame of knowing how much I fall short of my retainer hours sometimes. Anyway, the good stuff is there. So I've started keeping a list of nice things people say about me. The theory is that in rougher times I can look back on it to help rebuild my self-esteem and see through the darker clouds.<br />
<br />
I'm also quite proud of how my relationship with my girlfriend, Fran, has developed. I think we're good together. We love spending time together. I'm not always great in company: I'd like to be better at making people feel comfortable around us, of including them. But at least I'm aware that I'm not always fun to be with.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
My dad retired around his 63rd birthday this June. He moved back to Ayr, my hometown in Scotland, with my mum shortly afterwards. They now live much further away than they did when they lived in Bristol, so I'll probably see much less of them. I'm really pleased for them, but sad for myself that we won't have as much contact.<br />
<br />
But it's time for them to do things for themselves rather than for the sake of us four (grown-up) children.<br />
<br />
I've barely spoken to them since I moved in with Fran 6 weeks ago. I need to make more time to phone them and email them. We've only had a few very brief (mostly logistical) chats and the odd text message exchange. And all this after me berating them when I visited them in August for not keeping in touch, not phoning me. Maybe I was berating myself during that conversation as much as I was berating them.<br />
<br />
But life gets in the way, sometimes: I'm wrapped up in my own world with Fran, making our own family (nope, we're not adding to the family: I'm talking just the two of us). I could have phoned them tonight but wanted to do other things more keenly. And there's only so much time…I'm already going to bed later than I would like.<br />
<br />
I'm really pleased for them that they have the means to buy a house and move back home, to design a life for themselves without the burden of children. "Burden" might be the wrong word. Responsibility? Ties? Obligation? I think I know what I mean, but it sounds wrong when you express it that way.<br />
<br />
I guess that reflects some of the reservations I have about the thought of having children myself. I feel too selfish right now to be responsible for another new person. I want to be the focus of my life for now. That's probably not a particularly attractive trait, but it's how I am at the moment. It might be why I've been steadily quitting social commitments: refereeing rugby and touch; Sol Samba; Man Choir - all things I used to do willingly but have now decided, for one reason or another, aren't worth it anymore. My time alone and with Fran is more valuable to me at the moment.<br />
<br />
I really hope my parents enjoy their retirement and that it's a long and happy one. I'm slightly worried that Sandy, my dad, will find himself at a loss: won't know what to do with his time. But I think he and Moira, my mum, are aware of that danger and I hope they are taking steps to prevent any bad stuff happening.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I was really upset after I heard the result of the EU referendum. I couldn't quite believe it. I lay in bed for about 20 minutes with the radio on, trying to take it all in. I was disappointed in our politicians for fighting a half-hearted campaign and especially disappointed (although not that surprised) at the dishonesty of the Leave campaign.<br />
<br />
The news was super-interesting for about 4-6 weeks afterwards, but eventually everything calmed down and went back to normal. I'm so glad we didn't end up with Michael Gove as prime minister. I think the Brexit process will take a long time to work itself out. I'm hoping there will be compromise.<br />
<br />
The Brexit vote made me somewhat ashamed to be British. I didn't think that's what we stood for. I'm intolerant of intolerance.<br />
<br />
I think of myself as European. I can see the benefits of sharing wealth and power in Europe. Most of the mainstream arguments against the EU are selfish and small-minded.<br />
<br />
I was pleased to see how many people engaged with the process and the aftermath, though. It beats apathy and indifference.<br />
<br />
I'm not pleased with how the Labour party has behaved - especially the Parliamentary Labour Party. Leave Corbyn alone to do his job. Get behind him or leave the party. Why are people so afraid of him? I was really hopeful this time last year that he would help to change the nature of British politics; but his party has behaved despicably. The referendum result was an excuse to go after him in the unstable times. All the major parties have been dead-headed this year.<br />
<br />
But day-to-day life for me hasn't changed at all. Yet.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I went to a Christening at St Margaret's. I found it incredibly boring and uncomfortable. The artifice of the high church rituals just seem ridiculous and fake. They're all people, and yet some of them believe something that I don't. I felt a bit ostracized, but I didn't wish to be a believer.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I think it's important to experience places of worship and people at worship from time to time. And to respect what they do, even if you don’t join in.<br />
<br />
I have a cynicism that I've developed since primary school. There is a certain amount of hypocrisy in religion that I can't see beyond. And I've just never got the wonder of it. However, I can appreciate that some of the rituals might be soothing. I just can't see, however, how people would wish to give up their Sunday mornings to sit in an uncomfortable pew and listen to someone Christen children he's never met.<br />
<br />
This might be a problem in the future because, if I ever get married, it wouldn't feel right to me, at the moment, to get married in church. But I think Fran and perhaps her parents would want to. I've preferred non-church weddings: they focus more on the people than the tradition and the "doing it in front of God" bit. How much would I want to resist this? Does it really mean that much to me or is it just a preference? Marriage is supposed to be about compromise. But I've also respected the weddings more when the personality of the couple comes through. Church isn't me.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to be able to swim front crawl with ease and grace by this time next year. It's important to me because I've invested quite a lot of money in my swimming lessons with Keith at The Swim Shed. Swimming is also helping me to lose weight - but that's probably also got to do with living with my second conscience, Fran, who is helping me to make better decisions about what I eat.<br />
<br />
I was inspired by the marathon swimming at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The women looked so elegant swimming and stroking the water so gently.<br />
<br />
I like the praise the our coach, Keith, gives us. It makes me feel good. He says there's a swimmer in me. I like training my body again. I haven't trained in a sport for a while. I like being able to learn from a coach, having someone pay attention to you and teach you, tailor his coaching to your needs.<br />
<br />
I've progressed quite a lot in my swimming after only three lessons. I can now breathe more comfortably under water i.e. breathe out through my nose under water and in through my mouth above water. I do proper breaststroke with my head under the water now, wearing goggles and a swimming hat.<br />
<br />
I'd like to be able to swim from the top of Port Meadow, near the Trout, all the way down to the Rainbow Bridge. I could probably do this now by breaststroke but I'd like to do that with proper front crawl. That's a goal for next year.<br />
<br />
We're also thinking about signing up for the Bantham Swoosh in July, which is a 6km river swim out into an estuary. The last little bit swooshes you out into the bay. It's supposed to be quite shallow with clear water. I suppose I might eventually need to get myself a wetsuit - if I can find one that fits!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to continue losing a bit of weight. I feel better about myself; less schlubby. Living with Fran has helped me keep better sleeping patterns: going to bed at 11-ish and getting up at 07:15 with enough time to have breakfast before work. These may be small things, but I think they make a difference to my wellbeing.<br />
<br />
I'd like to get better at time management at work, but I'm not sure how I'm going to do it. I have days where I focus on the task at hand, but then I have to catch up with the email backlog that I leave behind.<br />
<br />
My life is really good at the moment. Living with Fran makes me so happy. I came home this evening and could see the light on through the front window. I waved at Fran excitedly as I walked past to the front door. It's so nice coming home to a cosy house with Fran and the cats.<br />
<br />
There's lots I want to do and I'm gradually working my way through my list; but my to-do list also keeps growing. And I need some downtime where I can relax and not worry.<br />
<br />
We had a really nice weekend last weekend - staying at home, not doing much. It was good to unwind.<br />
<br />
I also like the idea of deciding what I give a fuck about. One only has so many fucks to give! I've been quite good over the years of letting go of things that are less important. And living with someone certainly helps that because you have to find a happy medium between what we both want.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if there's a single piece of advice or counsel that could guide me. Keith, my swimming coach, is full of wisdom. He told us off for calling Fran "Calamity Fran". I guess the theory is that you live up to your name and it introduced negative thought patterns.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in 2016?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I want to investigate One Metric more fully in the coming year. It's a concept I've discussed with a couple of clients at work; and today I started working on making it a reality. It's not my idea; I got it from Moz. But I'm implementing it and adapting it for each organization.<br />
<br />
The idea is that you produce one aggregate metric that tells you how well a piece of content is performing compared to another piece of content. You work out what expected (average) performance is for a group of metrics and then you compare the performance of a single page against expected performance. At the end of it, you get a single figure between 0 and 100, where 50 is expected performance.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to develop my analytics skills beyond pure data gathering to actually being able to deliver insights and encourage change. That's the hard part: producing analysis, not just reports of numbers.<br />
<br />
I'm also looking forward to getting my head around Google Data Studio and Google Optimize. I like that my job has exciting new developments every so often. I find it fulfilling and I geek out whenever some good news comes out.<br />
<br />
Last week, for example, I was really excited that you could now move properties between Google Analytics accounts. This will mean nothing to people who don't know anything about Google Analytics; but to me it's a big deal!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm not really afraid of anything. I don't feel limited in that way. There are some things that I don't want to do: such as dance in public, but I don't think that's a fear; it's just something I'm uncomfortable doing in public.<br />
<br />
I guess I am a bit afraid of my big brother, Gregory, and his mental illness. I don't like seeing him like that. I'm afraid of what he might say to me. Apparently he's been quite hurtful to other members of my family, but I've been spared (so far).<br />
<br />
I'm now the closest family member to Gregory since my parents and brother Richard moved back home to Scotland. I'm somewhat afraid that Gregory might turn up on my doorstep one day or need my help. I'm afraid of how that might disrupt my comfortable life.<br />
<br />
If this is, indeed, a fear, it has limited my willingness to try getting in touch with Gregory again. I've written to him in the past without any response. But I haven't tried in a while.<br />
<br />
I don't know if I want to let this go or overcome it. There are some people that you can't help, who need to help themselves and learn how to accept help from others. I think Gregory is one of those people.<br />
<br />
I don't know what I'm afraid of when I'm with him. I'm afraid of the discomfort when he's depressed and monosyllabic and can't or won't hold a conversation with you. I'm afraid of his mania - a side of him that I don't want to have to witness again. I don't know why mental illness is so scary. I was scared when I went to visit Gregory shortly after the first time he was sectioned. I didn't recognize him. He did no harm to me except verbally bully me or tease me. I was scared of the mental ward he was on and the other people in it. It's making me uncomfortable now writing and thinking about it.<br />
<br />
I guess this is a fear I've repressed.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2017 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I hope I will continue to be as happy as I am now: with Fran, with my home, with my life, with my job. I hope I will be happier about my weight, feel fitter, feel glad I got more serious about my swimming. I hope I will feel able to share my answers again. I'm quite happy to put myself out there - particularly as it's what I was thinking a year ago. So in some ways it isn't me anymore.<br />
<br />
I hope there aren't any drastic changes. I've enjoyed reflecting on the incremental change that happens and this is recorded, to some extent, in my answers to these questions each year. It's quite a nice document, a record of what I was feeling in the autumn of each year. As the leaves fall and the cold returns, it's nice to shed some of my own leaves. Some will grow back over the next year. Others will remain, mulched into and enriching the soil around my roots.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Life with Fran keeps getting better.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="https://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Southmoor Rd, Oxford OX2 6RB, UK51.763141 -1.270012400000041551.761912499999994 -1.2725339000000415 51.7643695 -1.2674909000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-48065167827975490922016-10-04T21:21:00.000+01:002016-10-04T21:23:01.066+01:00My 2015 10Q answersI've been doing this <a href="http://www.doyou10q.com/">exercise in personal reflection</a> every autumn <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">since 2010</a> (see also my <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013</a> and <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">2014 answers</a>). I really seem to have embraced the <a href="http://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-freakonomics-radio-podcast-the-upside-of-quitting/">upside of quitting</a> over the past few years. It's often at this time of year that I realize I need to quit something. It's pleasing to see how much I've changed, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time because the process of change is so incremental. But this process of self-reflection definitely helps by echoing the conversations I'm having with myself and others about how I live my life and how I want to live it, which aren't always in alignment.<br />
<br />
Here's what I was thinking this time last year. If you want to find out what I'm thinking now, come back next year (or ask me!).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Day 1:</b></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I have finally got a girlfriend! My frustrations with women turning me down have been a common theme in previous years' answers. <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2015/09/my-2014-10q-answers.html">Last year</a>, I sensed something was changing. This year has been the breakthrough.<br />
<br />
It has had a big impact on my life. I now have someone to share things with. I'm immensely grateful. I feel so lucky.<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm relieved. I knew, someday, it would happen. But I had to wait a long time. My only other girlfriend was 15 years ago when I was 17.<br />
<br />
I can be myself with Fran. I love being in our own private world together with our own lexicon and in-jokes. I hope we are also fun for other people to be around, but I think that's something that will come with time as we get more comfortable with each other's friends and family.<br />
<br />
Being with Fran is everything I've hoped for. I've been preparing for this mentally and emotionally since I was about 11, when I developed my first real crush on a girl.<br />
<br />
I'm so happy and content. I feel complete, at last.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 2:</h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'm proud of making some big life decisions. I quit refereeing touch and rugby union. I realized they weren't making me happy. On the contrary, they were stressing me out, making me grumpy. I didn't feel fully appreciated and wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to.<br />
<br />
I realized that just because I've been doing something for a long time, it doesn't mean I have to keep doing it for the rest of my life. It's OK to quit. Abandoning my DPhil back in 2010 was a positive move. I now have the courage to make those kinds of decisions.<br />
<br />
They're not snap decisions. I discuss them with trusted friends and family. I find myself complaining about the same problems and eventually I realize that I can avoid the problems by quitting whatever it is that is causing them.<br />
<br />
I'm going through a similar phase with <a href="http://www.solsamba.co.uk/">Sol Samba</a> at the moment. I'm taking a break and I'm not sure I want to go back for the start of the new season. I may stand down from the committee.<br />
<br />
I don't think I've got any major regrets. I guess there's a guy at work who I hired that isn't working out particularly well at the moment. He was the best candidate, but maybe I shouldn't have accepted a sub-standard candidate; maybe I should have waited until the right person applied for the job.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3:</h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
My sister had her 4th baby. It hasn't affected me at all. I wasn't able to attend the christening because I was on holiday in France. I feel a bit weird about it, to be honest. I'm not interested and it makes me feel a bit guilty. I haven't even met the father. I feel estranged.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4:</h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Jeremy Corbyn winning the Labour party leadership election. I went to see him at a hustings in Oxford and was impressed by his integrity and moral reasoning behind opposing nuclear weapons, poverty and inequality. I'm a Lib Dem party member, but I'm thinking about switching - even though there are many things about the Labour party (from the Blair years) that I don't like. I believe more in the man than the party. I really hope he changes how politics is conducted in the UK and manages to engage the younger generation of voters. He's very inspiring. His leadership victory address made me cry. I hope he has the same impact on the quality of political debate in the UK that the SNP has had in Scotland with its progressive policies.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 5:</h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
There have been a few times when I've been wild swimming that I'm awed by the beauty of nature, the soft feel of the water. I was also humbled when cycling up Mont Vonteux during my recent holiday in France. The sight of the famous climb to the summit made my eyes water during our recce drive up to the top and I felt broken by the time I reached the top. It was very emotional.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6:</h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to pay my parents back the £3,000 I borrowed to buy my car in 2012. I've been saving up the whole time but have had to dip into my savings for various reasons. This year I moved house and now live alone, which put a bit of a dent in my savings because of the large deposit.<br />
<br />
It's important to me because I don't like being in debt and I'd like to stick to our agreement to pay it back in 3 years. I can then start saving for something else!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7:</h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to get into the habit of turning up 10 minutes early to things. I used to be more punctual than I am. I can use that extra time to talk to people, watch the world go by, be mindful or read. I don't like lateness in others. I find it rude. So I shouldn't do it myself. I need to take note of how long it takes me to get ready.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8:</h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in 2016?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I'd like to continue to spend a big chunk of my time with my girlfriend, Fran. We've spent a lot of time together recently. We sometimes see each other 5 or 6 days a week. I've met many of her friends and family. She hasn't met as many of my friends - but I don't have that many close friends.<br />
<br />
In the past week, I've really started to get back into chess via the Chess.com app on my iPhone. I used to play when I was at primary school but haven't played regularly for 20 years. I'm really enjoying exercising that part of my brain.<br />
<br />
I'd like to continue to declutter my life. I started doing it at the beginning of the year in preparation for moving house. Partly because I've spent so much time with Fran, I haven't had the time to process some of my possessions such as my DVDs, CDs and other junk that could be recycled. There's always something more interesting to do. But I really felt lighter when I got rid of some of my old clothes and academic notes. There's also a whole bunch of admin to sort through and recycle.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 9:</h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I don't think I have many fears. I used to be staunchly against dancing. Now I find myself dancing in front of Fran to amuse her. I'm not sure I'm ready to do it in public yet.<br />
<br />
I'm sometimes afraid of being found out at work for slacking. If I was managing myself, I'd want to see more productivity. But my clients and my line manager seem to be happy with what I do. I could overcome this by developing better habits and getting rid of the bad habits. And also by being less tired, getting more sleep.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 10:</h2>
When September 2016 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
I hope I'll continue to be in a good spot this time next year: still seeing Fran, still very much in love and enjoying each other's company; still stimulated at work, but perhaps more motivated than I am right now. I feel a bit overworked and overwhelmed sometimes with too many competing demands on my time.<br />
<br />
I think I'll feel quite proud of the progress I've made over the past year or so.<br />
<br />
There's probably nothing revelatory in my responses this year: nothing controversial, nothing to be embarrassed about.<br />
<br />
I guess the one big thing that might be different is that Fran and I could be living together.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 11:</h2>
What are your predictions for 2016?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;">My answer:</span></h3>
Still with Fran. Life keeps improving.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="http://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Southmoor Rd, Oxford OX2 6RB, UK51.763141 -1.270012400000041551.761912499999994 -1.2725339000000415 51.7643695 -1.2674909000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-6942008934431447672016-02-08T23:05:00.001+00:002020-11-02T12:05:01.030+00:00Netflix category codesBrowsing Netflix can be a pain. Use these hidden category codes to jump to the genres you are interested in.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1365">Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/43040">Action Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1568">Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/43048">Action Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11881">Adult Animation</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7442">Adventures</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3761">African Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3327">Alien Sci-Fi</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5507">Animal Tales</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7424">Anime</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2653">Anime Action</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9302">Anime Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/452">Anime Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11146">Anime Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3063">Anime Features</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10695">Anime Horror</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2729">Anime Sci-Fi</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6721">Anime Series</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/29764">Art House Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/77232">Asian Action Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5230">Australian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8195">B-Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12339">Baseball Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12762">Basketball Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/262">Belgian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3652">Biographical Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3179">Biographical Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12443">Boxing Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10757">British Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52117">British TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1252">Campy Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/783">Children & Family Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3960">Chinese Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/46576">Classic Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/31694">Classic Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/29809">Classic Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/32473">Classic Foreign Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/31574">Classic Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/32392">Classic Musicals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/31273">Classic Romantic Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/47147">Classic Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/46588">Classic Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/46553">Classic TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/48744">Classic War Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/47465">Classic Westerns</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6548">Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10118">Comic Book and Superhero Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1105">Country & Western/Folk</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2748">Courtroom Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6895">Creature Features</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9584">Crime Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9875">Crime Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6889">Crime Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10499">Crime Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/26146">Crime TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9434">Cult Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10944">Cult Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7627">Cult Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4734">Cult Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/74652">Cult TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/869">Dark Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/45028">Deep Sea Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/67673">Disney</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/59433">Disney Musicals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6839">Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5763">Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4961">Dramas based on Books</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3653">Dramas based on real life</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10606">Dutch Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5254">Eastern European Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10659">Education for Kids</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52858">Epics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11079">Experimental Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/26835">Faith & Spirituality</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52804">Faith & Spirituality Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/51056">Family Features</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9744">Fantasy Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7687">Film Noir</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/72436">Food & Travel TV</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12803">Football Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11828">Foreign Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4426">Foreign Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5161">Foreign Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2150">Foreign Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8243">Foreign Gay & Lesbian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8654">Foreign Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7462">Foreign Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6485">Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10306">Foreign Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/58807">French Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/31851">Gangster Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/500">Gay & Lesbian Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/58886">German Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/61115">Greek Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5349">Historical Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/89585">Horror Comedy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8711">Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11804">Independent Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4195">Independent Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/384">Independent Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7077">Independent Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3269">Independent Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10463">Indian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/58750">Irish Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8221">Italian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10398">Japanese Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10271">Jazz & Easy Listening</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/751423">Kids Faith & Spirituality</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52843">Kids Music</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/27346">Kids TV</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5685">Korean Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/67879">Korean TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1402">Late Night Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1613">Latin American Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10741">Latin Music</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8985">Martial Arts Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6695">Martial Arts, Boxing & Wrestling</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5875">Middle Eastern Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2125">Military Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4006">Military Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11">Military Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/25804">Military TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4814">Miniseries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/26">Mockumentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/947">Monster Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10056">Movies based on children’s books</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6796">Movies for ages 0 to 2</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6218">Movies for ages 2 to 4</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5455">Movies for ages 5 to 7</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/561">Movies for ages 8 to 10</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6962">Movies for ages 11 to 12</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/90361">Music & Concert Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1701">Music</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/13335">Musicals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9994">Mysteries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/63782">New Zealand Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12123">Period Pieces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2700">Political Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7018">Political Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6616">Political Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10504">Political Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5505">Psychological Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/36103">Quirky Romance</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9833">Reality TV</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10005">Religious Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3278">Rock & Pop Concerts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5475">Romantic Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1255">Romantic Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/502675">Romantic Favorites</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7153">Romantic Foreign Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9916">Romantic Independent Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8883">Romantic Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11567">Russian</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6998">Satanic Stories</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4922">Satires</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9292">Scandinavian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1492">Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6926">Sci-Fi Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3916">Sci-Fi Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1694">Sci-Fi Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11014">Sci-Fi Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2595">Science & Nature Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52780">Science & Nature TV</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9702">Screwball Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5012">Showbiz Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/13573">Showbiz Musicals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/53310">Silent Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10256">Slapstick Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8646">Slasher and Serial Killer Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/12549">Soccer Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3675">Social & Cultural Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3947">Social Issue Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9196">Southeast Asian Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/58741">Spanish Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2760">Spiritual Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9327">Sports & Fitness</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/5286">Sports Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/180">Sports Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7243">Sports Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4370">Sports Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10702">Spy Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9147">Spy Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/55774">Stage Musicals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11559">Stand-up Comedy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/35800">Steamy Romantic Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/972">Steamy Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/42023">Supernatural Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11140">Supernatural Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/6384">Tearjerkers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/3519">Teen Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9299">Teen Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52147">Teen Screams</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/60951">Teen TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8933">Thrillers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1159">Travel & Adventure Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10673">TV Action & Adventure</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11177">TV Cartoons</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10375">TV Comedies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10105">TV Documentaries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/11714">TV Dramas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/83059">TV Horror</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4366">TV Mysteries</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1372">TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/83">TV Shows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9472">Urban & Dance Concerts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/75804">Vampire Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/75930">Werewolf Horror Movies</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7700">Westerns</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/2856">World Music Concerts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/75405">Zombie Horror Movies</a></li></ul>
I got them from <a href="http://mashable.com/2016/01/11/netflix-search-codes/#mxzC9MsLPZqo">this Mashable article</a>. I thought it would be more useful to provide them as a list of clickable links. Please let me know if any of the category names are wrong. I haven't checked them all.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-87238225326318877522015-09-15T00:33:00.000+01:002015-09-15T00:33:26.346+01:00My 2014 10Q answersI've been doing this exercise in personal reflection every September <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">since 2010</a> (see also my <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012</a> and <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2014/09/my-2013-10q-answers.html">2013 answers</a>). I was starting to sound like a broken record, complaining about the same problems year after year, but over the past 12 months I've made a number of breakthroughs and this time last year you can see I was starting to sense that things were changing for the better.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1:</span></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I've fallen in love twice this year. Both times I told the girl how I felt about her and both times my feelings were unrequited. I'm getting used to this, sadly.<br />
<br />
The first time, I kinda knew the response I'd get. She doesn't really do boys. But I thought I had to tell her all the same. I figured it would help us both out: it would stop me living in doubt and it might be nice for her confidence to know how lovely she is.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful that I had the courage to do it instead of stewing on it in painful doubt for months. I'm relieved to have an answer. I'm saddened that it was a "no", but at least I know.<br />
<br />
I dealt with it by talking about it with two close friends. One of them challenged me to ask another person out. So I did.<br />
<br />
I asked out this other girl that I'd met through work at the beginning of the year. I liked her immediately, but I figured she was so lovely she was bound to have a boyfriend, so I didn't do anything about it at the time.<br />
<br />
The challenge from my friend helped me. It gave me a reason just to take the plunge. I asked her out and she said yes. We had 5 lovely dates together and after the fifth, I told her how I felt about her. She wanted some time to think about it, but the signs weren't good.<br />
<br />
Indeed they weren't. She was quite upset when she told me that she wasn't in the right place at the moment and couldn't give me what I want. This was harder for me to accept because I'd got my hopes up, but I do accept it - even if I don't agree with it.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I still have (very) faint hopes it's not over, but I know that's not fair on her. We've agreed not to talk to each other, but we still have occasional contact on social media and email.<br />
<br />
I was saddened by this and it made me grumpy for a few days after we'd agreed not to talk to each other. I'm mourning the loss of the future I'd imagined together. Again, I worry that I take things too far and fantasize about a future in my head instead of living in the real world.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to smile because it happened rather than cry because it's over. It certainly was a lovely way to spend the spring and early summer and I'm grateful for the wonderful time we had together.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2:</span></h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></h3>
I tend not to have regrets, but I do wish I'd acted on my urge to kiss a girl. Once when I gave her a hug to keep warm after we'd been swimming in the sea. And once when we were lying side by side in a forest glade of bluebells. I had the thought in both situations, but it didn't feel right at the time. I respect her a lot and sensed it might not have been welcomed.<br />
<br />
I'm proud of the fact that I have more courage when it comes to telling a girl how I feel about her. I've done it sooner this year when I have less to lose. The rejection doesn't hurt as much and it allows you to move on to the next person. I feel like I've been collecting rejections this year. They still hurt, but I'm getting used to dealing with them.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3:</span></h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I'm not sure if all of this happened within the past year, but my sister broke up with the father of her three children and got together within another man who is now the father-to-be of her fourth.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I've seen her at all this year. I feel a bit estranged. It's partly my fault, of course. I make occasional attempts to Skype but don't follow through with it if she's not available. I also haven't been to visit her in Ireland since (I think) 2010 or maybe 2011.<br />
<br />
My niece, her eldest, is now at the age (9 years old) I was when I was a proper human being and able to interact with adults on what was starting to feel like a more level playing field (my uncles, my rugby coach).<br />
<br />
I haven't made that effort to know what's going on in their lives and to be a part of it.<br />
<br />
It's a pretty big deal: your sister having her fourth child. Why don't I care more?<br />
<br />
I think I'm a bit jealous of the intimacy my sister and I used to share. She has changed quite a lot and I'm sure I have as well. I guess I want to talk to her about our lives, not about the kids all the time; but the kids are a huge part of her life (but not all of it, of course).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 4:</span></h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I always find this question difficult to answer. I'm not that much affected by world events. Well, that's not totally true. I actually listen to the news less now than I used to. And I don't watch TV news or read the newspaper. The news has a negative impact on my mood, so I prefer to listen to podcasts while I'm driving alone. To and from work I sometimes listen to Radio 4, but we sometimes talk over it. I'd rather stretch my mind with new facts and thoughts than pollute it with more of the same depressing stories of war, rape, abuse and political corruption.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 5:</span></h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
When I was in Rio de Janeiro in February, I had an afternoon out with the girls. They wanted to go shopping for carnival accessories. We then went for posh afternoon tea. I then persuaded them to visit the local cathedral. It looks like an upturned bucket from outside. Inside, I found myself looking up. It's like a giant wonderbox, tapering up to a crucifix in the apex of the roof. The atmosphere was so peaceful in there. A sanctuary of cool quiet. It definitely had an effect on me. I let it.<br />
<br />
Someone once said you should visit other people's places of worship, even if you're not religious yourself. I like this idea. I can still share their sense of wonder, even if I don't share their belief.<br />
<br />
I've also started communing more with nature. I have been awed by seeing the sunrise three times. I found my happy place in a glade of bluebells. I saw the girl I was with get flowerdrunk. Maybe I'm being a bit loose with the meaning of "spiritual" here. But then maybe I'm not. My spirit was moved by each of these things. I was inspired. My heart expanded. I wondered at the world and the people in it and the things they do to express themselves.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 6:</span></h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I'd like to be able to pay my parents back the £3,000 (+3% interest) I borrowed from them to buy my car in June 2013. I'm nearly there.<br />
<br />
It's important to me because it will free me up to save for something else and I'll take a certain sense of pride in paying off the loan a year earlier than planned.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 7:</span></h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I think the usual thing of getting more sleep, snoozing less in the mornings. I got 9 hours' sleep last night and snoozed for another hour this morning and still felt tired during the day. Same stuff every year, right?<br />
<br />
I think my eating has improved slightly. I've had slightly smaller portions. I've lost a bit of weight and I've kept up the regular exercise even though the microgym has closed at work.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 8:</span></h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in 2015?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I would love to get to know Bethany Crowe better - if she'll let me. I met her this year but then we stopped seeing each other for a while after I told her how I feel about her. But we've recently got in touch again and she wants to share her ideas with me about #CitiesForPeople, digital placemaking and the playable city. I read her notes about it last week and it made me so excited: it set my brain on fire - not just the prospect of spending time with her again but also exploring her ideas about this stuff with her and being a sounding board. I love spending time with people who are really enthusiastic about something. It rubs off on me.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 9:</span></h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I'm sometimes afraid of talking to people. My big brother, Gregory, for example. I find it hard to respond when he gives the impression of wanting to be left alone with his monosyllabic answers. He seems really shy these days.<br />
<br />
I'm also afraid of my housemates, sometimes - particularly after they seemed cross with me when the cats brought fleas into the house. I tried to be open and honest with them and tried to repair the damage and do the bulk of the cleaning. There were a few awkward moments where we were both in the kitchen doing our own thing and not talking to each other.<br />
<br />
To overcome that, I should probably just make the first move and say something and then keep the conversation up - even if it's difficult. Confront it.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 10:</span></h2>
When September 2015 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I might be proud of the fact that I seem to have realized how to do life well. I feel really happy at the moment. I've learned to be comfortable in my own skin most of the time.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, this time next year I may be in a really dark mood and feel a million miles from the state of bliss I feel today.<br />
<br />
I sense there might be a lot of life circumstances changing over the next year. I'm open to change.<br />
<br />
I very much hope I'm in a loving relationship. If it is with Bethany I'd be dreaming. I'm stupidly optimistic right now. I might be due for a big fall. But at least I'm mindful of that now.<br />
<br />
I usually moan that nothing has changed. This year, I feel like something is different for the better.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 11:</span></h2>
What are your predictions for 2015?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
She will love me back, finally.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="http://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Kidlington, Oxfordshire, UK51.824242784978665 -1.288480216394077651.823936284978664 -1.2891107163940776 51.824549284978666 -1.2878497163940776tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-41391997370044998442015-03-06T01:23:00.005+00:002023-05-19T12:49:55.607+01:00How to install an HP LaserJet 1000 series printer on a MacThis post will explain how I managed to install my 13-year-old HP LaserJet 1000 series printer on my MacBook Pro running OS X Yosemite version 10.10.2.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsaJaclykzgtVer-NTj5S4KiFXUwvazEEyzBqVIQPr3Wiq3BjPrBd6MtntXw-y9DiTGryhqSmZq_IIhvEJ-u7ay0t2JyT4pYB1LKmQVDEMhnS2ABmxFx8iWO9kjv4OdVeSl-A6Q/s1600/HP+LaserJet+1000+series.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HP LaserJet 1000 series printer" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsaJaclykzgtVer-NTj5S4KiFXUwvazEEyzBqVIQPr3Wiq3BjPrBd6MtntXw-y9DiTGryhqSmZq_IIhvEJ-u7ay0t2JyT4pYB1LKmQVDEMhnS2ABmxFx8iWO9kjv4OdVeSl-A6Q/s1600/HP+LaserJet+1000+series.jpg" title="HP LaserJet 1000 series printer" /></a></div>
<br />
I feel like I'm on familiar territory here with HP's lack of legacy support for peripherals such as scanners and printers. See my popular post on <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2008/02/how-to-install-hp-scanjet-2200c-on.html">How to install an HP ScanJet 2200c scanner on Windows Vista</a>.<br />
<br />
That was 7 years ago.<br />
<br />
I still have the same printer and scanner and I'm determined to make them work. And stick it to the man. Even though my dad works for HP. <i>Especially</i> because my dad works for HP.<br />
<br />
It's worth the rigmarole, not just for the money you will save by not having to buy a new printer, not just because you will be defeating HP's selfish and wasteful (but understandable for business reasons) built-in obsolescence, but because it will make you feel like this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquBkDFPgiDxclc7v9-G4QToYdYsuEs4TD5JHy7Ax3Lf78E8dlJxOJQErIYrFMNWAmBztOMzUwuiVhiG2-mnyLd-4UfRuR8s-Gn0VlI39pwQ82ZpevgcJLyYiO1bN337OhsQSLYA/s1600/success-kid-printer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Success Kid: Just got my 13-year-old printer to work on a Mac: I am the fucking boss" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquBkDFPgiDxclc7v9-G4QToYdYsuEs4TD5JHy7Ax3Lf78E8dlJxOJQErIYrFMNWAmBztOMzUwuiVhiG2-mnyLd-4UfRuR8s-Gn0VlI39pwQ82ZpevgcJLyYiO1bN337OhsQSLYA/s1600/success-kid-printer.jpg" title="Success Kid installs an old HP printer" /></a></div>
<br />
I am hugely indebted to donthomaso's post on the HP Support Forum thread <a href="http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Mac-Printing-and-Scanning/download-driver-on-mac-10-7-4-for-HP-Laserjet-1000/m-p/3054293/highlight/true#M43811">download driver on mac 10.7.4 for HP Laserjet 1000</a>, which linked to this set of instructions by <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zdzx9atgvdbgzey/hp-laserjet-1000-mac.pdf?dl=0">The Daily Chu / chuck: HP Laserjet 1000/1005/1018/1020 on OS X Lion/Mountain Lion/Mavericks</a>. Although I didn't use them, these instructions for <a href="http://jorgeruano.tumblr.com/post/82692198720/hp-laserjet-1000-on-mavericks">HP Laserjet 1000 on Mavericks</a> also look pretty good and are a bit shorter than mine.<br />
<br />
The main purpose of this post is not to take any credit but to make it easier for other users like me to find instructions that will work for them.<br />
<br />
Here goes:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
1) Install <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/xcode/id497799835?mt=12">XCode</a> from the App Store.<br />
2) Open Terminal (by typing <b>cmd</b> + <b>space</b> and typing <b>Terminal</b> and pressing <b>return</b> - the first few letters are usually enough). Type <b>xcode-select --install</b> in the Terminal window to install the required command line developer tools.<br />
3) Install <a href="https://www.macports.org/install.php">MacPorts</a> by installing the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zaoq70x5zhvfrd4/MacPorts-2.3.3-10.10-Yosemite.pkg?dl=0">package file for OS X 10.10 Yosemite</a>. Packages for other versions of OS X are available on the <a href="https://www.macports.org/install.php">MacPorts installation page</a>.<br />
4) To confirm the installation is working as expected, open a new terminal window and type <b>port version </b>and press return. (I'm assuming you know that you need to press return after typing a command in Terminal, so I'll stop saying that from now on…maybe.)<br />
5) Run the following commands in Terminal to ensure MacPorts is up-to-date and install a few applications:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>sudo port selfupdate</b> (you may need to type in your Mac password)</li>
<li><b>sudo port install coreutils</b></li>
<li><b>sudo port install wget</b></li>
<li><b>sudo port install gsed</b></li>
</ol>
6) Install <a href="http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collaborate/workgroups/openprinting/macosx/foomatic">Foomatic-RIP</a>. I used <a href="http://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/macosx/foomatic-rip-4.0.6.230.dmg">version 4.0.6 for for Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther) - Mac OS X 10.9.x (Mavericks)</a>. At this point you may encounter a security warning message if your security preferences prevent you from installing apps from unidentified developers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFM1ed5PxwZpxcEdswrTkDC_Npb4leqDzjIiJ3FVgtPpcYeE87SW3Tk0urnHrTaWKRTkCYAsHzlc3titUg_P1iTV_k91GaOWxPtcnLNv3pOv6MbgEKxrcGg8Fu3_59QTFfszO5A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.16.27.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mac security preferences warning screenshot" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFM1ed5PxwZpxcEdswrTkDC_Npb4leqDzjIiJ3FVgtPpcYeE87SW3Tk0urnHrTaWKRTkCYAsHzlc3titUg_P1iTV_k91GaOWxPtcnLNv3pOv6MbgEKxrcGg8Fu3_59QTFfszO5A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.16.27.png" title="Mac security preferences warning" width="400" /></a></div>
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To fix this, open your Security & Privacy settings in System Preferences (by typing <b>cmd</b> + <b>space</b> and typing <b>Security & Privacy</b> and pressing <b>return</b>). Click the lock icon to make changes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc23XGs5V8zWleWahimuKOEt_KI8vbdM4ISDs_6hJzHMwx-J-J_-OVfFxcGSuGy5u8RpxIQf2R5ks_goMu6wA6tHAluylQU8YTkaLrzXV3SlNVQ0KAD3_p8Sll15_tsakg723Gg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.22.33.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Click the lock to make changes" border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc23XGs5V8zWleWahimuKOEt_KI8vbdM4ISDs_6hJzHMwx-J-J_-OVfFxcGSuGy5u8RpxIQf2R5ks_goMu6wA6tHAluylQU8YTkaLrzXV3SlNVQ0KAD3_p8Sll15_tsakg723Gg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.22.33.png" title="Mac lock icon" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
Type your Mac password if prompted. Click the radio button to allow apps to be downloaded from <b>Anywhere</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OMq-p9Tb7e3J3g9A1qICvE8814rb-nffGrLKtZDby6s26MbbEED3_EYJ4-BkwmcdhO4YP6gfR4FBRh0Sd62Xes-aME8CAW0Y-bemxFIaOFzgntsoqeM0I_SEwLXexRhTT9UW-A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.24.26.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mac Security & Privacy settings screenshot" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OMq-p9Tb7e3J3g9A1qICvE8814rb-nffGrLKtZDby6s26MbbEED3_EYJ4-BkwmcdhO4YP6gfR4FBRh0Sd62Xes-aME8CAW0Y-bemxFIaOFzgntsoqeM0I_SEwLXexRhTT9UW-A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.24.26.png" title="Mac Security & Privacy settings" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leave this open for now because you will need it to allow other apps to be installed during this process. However, I recommend resetting it to <b>Mac App Store and identified developers</b> and re-closing the lock icon when you're finished to keep your Mac more secure.</div>
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7) Install <a href="http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collaborate/workgroups/openprinting/macosx/foomatic">Ghostscript</a>. I used <a href="http://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/macosx/gplgs-8.71.dmg">version 8.71 for Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther) - Mac OS X 10.9.x (Mavericks)</a>. You can also download the package file from <a href="http://pages.uoregon.edu/koch/">Richard Koch</a> from the Mathematics Department at the University of Oregon. (Thank you, Richard!)</div>
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8) Install <a href="https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs">foo2zjs</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I went through this installation process, I had missed out the step to install wget (see 5.3 above), so when I ran the <b>wget http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz</b> command in step 8.2 below, it didn't work. As with most things on computers, there's more than one way to do it. Here's how I did it:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I downloaded foo2zjs in my Chrome web browser from <a href="http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz">http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz</a> (which by default put it in my Downloads folder). I opened the zip file there by double clicking on it. I then typed <b>cd</b> in Terminal, added a space, and dragged the unzipped foo2zjs directory into the Terminal window to save me typing out the full path i.e. <b>/Users/christopherwhalen/Downloads/foo2zjs</b> where <b>christopherwhalen</b> is my Mac's Home directory. Yours will be different, unless you're also called Christopher Whalen (in which case, hi!). If you did it this way, you should now be in the <b>foo2zjs</b> directory, so skip to step 8.5 below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Update (19 May 2023): An anonymous comment pointed out that they can't find foo2zjs. And indeed the website that I downloaded it from (<a href="http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz">http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz</a>) is now offline. I suggest you download it instead from <a href="https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs">https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs</a>. The direct link to the file is <a href="https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs/archive/refs/heads/master.zip">https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs/archive/refs/heads/master.zip</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But you can also download foo2zjs from the Terminal by typing the following commands:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b>cd Desktop</b> (to change to your Desktop directory)</li>
<li><b>wget https://github.com/koenkooi/foo2zjs/archive/refs/heads/master.zip</b> (to download the compressed file) - NB I haven't tried this step since I change the download URL from http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz, which is now offline. Please let me know if it works!</li>
<li><b>tar -xzvpf foo2zjs.tar.gz</b> (to extract it)</li>
<li><b>cd foo2zjs</b> (to change into the newly extracted <b>foo2zjs</b> directory)</li>
<li><b>make</b> (to compile foo2zjs)</li>
<li><b>./getweb 1000</b> (to download the HP LaserJet 1000 firmware file)</li>
<li><b>sudo make install</b> (to install foo2zjs)</li>
<li><b>sudo make install-hotplug</b> (to configure hotplug)</li>
<li><b>sudo make cups</b> (to restart the spooler if you use CUPS - nope, I have no idea what that does either, but I did it anyway, even though it appears to be optional).</li>
</ol>
<div>
9) Add the printer via <b>Printers & Scanners</b> in System Preferences (type <b>cmd</b> + <b>space</b> and start typing <b>Printers & Scanners</b>), but do not close Terminal just yet. Click on the <b>+</b> then choose <b>HP LaserJet 1000</b> and it should automatically load the HP Laserjet 1000 Footmatic/foo2zjs in the <b>Use</b> field.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JSX4SP6yl8P6jAnG3EJzY81O8l0GL60TbprWyXwt68zbmr2wrvfYBCDuVnmq_Uv5BAN865OQHkbPhDDaS56ZZWEBmaT8Rr9yE39T4ZxlNJ_dYM_QnYnQ75JEw62ZOz-_vM2RUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+01.33.00.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Add a printer on your Mac screenshot" border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JSX4SP6yl8P6jAnG3EJzY81O8l0GL60TbprWyXwt68zbmr2wrvfYBCDuVnmq_Uv5BAN865OQHkbPhDDaS56ZZWEBmaT8Rr9yE39T4ZxlNJ_dYM_QnYnQ75JEw62ZOz-_vM2RUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+01.33.00.png" title="Add a printer on your Mac" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Click on <b>Add</b> to add the printer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRNuMexIfHt1JXAk82q1Wj_z-mZ9dzs4Zo141Lhf7vxE4XS-9orZBY8f7aoOMNgXQfdyjIYo92jM3bqdOcj7zSLt0TNpvz67jxwX4eLTOHUtfERdYvkfxRTghe5455EoRqhF2XQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.59.30.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mac printer settings for HP LaserJet 1000 screenshot" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRNuMexIfHt1JXAk82q1Wj_z-mZ9dzs4Zo141Lhf7vxE4XS-9orZBY8f7aoOMNgXQfdyjIYo92jM3bqdOcj7zSLt0TNpvz67jxwX4eLTOHUtfERdYvkfxRTghe5455EoRqhF2XQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-06+at+00.59.30.png" title="Mac printer settings for HP LaserJet 1000" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think after that, my printer worked. Good ole <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zdzx9atgvdbgzey/hp-laserjet-1000-mac.pdf?dl=0">chuck</a> also suggests you run <b>sudo lp -oraw /usr/share/foo2zjs/firmware/sihp1000.dl</b> in Terminal to upload the firmware to the printer.</div>
<div>
<br />
10) Finally, reset your app download security settings to <b>Mac App Store and identified developers</b> and re-closing the lock icon as described at the end of step 6 above.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
You can now print out those <a href="http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/t/taylor_swift/shake_it_off_crd.htm">Taylor Swift "Shake It Off" ukulele chords</a> that were your primary motivation for installing your printer in the first place. (Oh. That was just me then.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Give me a shout in the comments if this did or didn't work for you. It was a kinda long and complicated process. I made some mistakes along the way, but I eventually got there. Please let me know if you think I've missed anything in the instructions above or if anything is not clear.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And good luck!<br />
<br />
Update on 24 March 2015: I found that when trying to use the printer a second time, it didn't work. I repeated some of the steps of the installation process, but I think the important part is running <b>sudo make cups</b> (step 8.9 above) to restart the spooler.<br />
<br />
Update on 1 June 2017: Repeat steps 8.4 to 8.9 to get the printer to work again if you've already installed it.</div>
Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-6582395521434556482015-01-06T01:36:00.007+00:002015-01-06T01:46:24.426+00:00New year's resolutions for 2015I don't believe in setting new year's resolutions that you don't want to do. Why make life a struggle?<br />
<br />
On Christmas Day I watched the first episode of <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/grayson-perry-who-are-you"><i>Grayson Perry: Who Are You?</i></a> at bedtime. It set my brain on fire. In my insomnia, I jotted down the following things I want to do this year:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Go to Man Choir on Thursday at 19:00</li>
<li>Pass the AdWords display and video exams</li>
<li>Host an a capella sea shanty night</li>
<li>Dance?</li>
<li>Get in touch with the Navigator guy</li>
<li>Write to the Gentlemen's Club</li>
<li>Visit my friends Paul and Kate Ylioja in Norfolk</li>
<li>Visit my cousin Joe Kennedy and maybe go to the football at Dulwich Hamlet with him</li>
<li>Reach my target weight by Bloomsday</li>
<li>Give at least 2% of my income to charity</li>
<li>Launch Sol Samba WordPress site</li>
<li>Purge my possessions</li>
<li>Change my job title</li>
<li>Do a proper A/B testing project</li>
<li>Go to a conference: SMX London? Link Love?</li>
<li>Visit my sister Laura in Ireland</li>
<li>Write about my lack of girlfriends</li>
<li>Live alone: move out of 25 Walton Well Road</li>
<li>Cycle with my friends Mélanie and Sam (not necessarily together)</li>
<li>Go to the Coburg samba festival in Germany</li>
<li>Play at Notting Hill Carnival with the London School of Samba</li>
<li>Watch Shakespeare at The Globe Theatre</li>
<li>Join Zappi's cycling club</li>
<li>Go swimming with Paul Vetch at Charlton lido</li>
<li>Cycle to work for a whole week</li>
<li>Go swimming at work</li>
<li>Meet Becca Peters @orange_lava</li>
<li>Swim in a Snowdonian llyn (tarn)</li>
<li>Learn how to dive</li>
<li>Learn long-distance open water front crawl</li>
<li>Get in touch with my former rugby coach Andy Balshe</li>
<li>Meet up with @piehands</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div>
You may also enjoy <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/2011/12/27/woody-guthrie-1942-resolutions-list/">Woody Guthrie's New Year's Resolution List, 1942</a>.</div>
Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-11286460986580179652014-12-31T18:48:00.001+00:002014-12-31T18:48:42.536+00:00Things for which I was grateful in 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJPQnEdyCI4lW21UkjlNTPOqQQy3zwAhBrlyQa2WwtDijn5gjAzAy4XG5c14W13TMk3VCGcsjS16bxrvkHBu00OpW94-ExQi_P74RFIxosgswpk9spfso5A54B2-wU0QQJ7sUUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-31+at+18.41.34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJPQnEdyCI4lW21UkjlNTPOqQQy3zwAhBrlyQa2WwtDijn5gjAzAy4XG5c14W13TMk3VCGcsjS16bxrvkHBu00OpW94-ExQi_P74RFIxosgswpk9spfso5A54B2-wU0QQJ7sUUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-31+at+18.41.34.png" height="180" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I kept a gratitude diary at throughout 2014. I wrote down three things for which I was grateful every night just before going to sleep. It had a positive impact on my mood. I went to sleep every night thinking about the good parts of my day. I'm going to keep doing it.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Bristol, City of Bristol, UK51.454513 -2.587909999999965351.296248 -2.9106334999999652 51.612778 -2.2651864999999654tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-77406937062201207782014-10-19T00:02:00.000+01:002014-10-19T00:02:17.775+01:00Why I'm quitting refereeing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsURk_RBKXytBwb0uohkHC6yUC9T06YDi5KvXtwUjaJQIcdIsp6j_wcstVhwcgjrPnXEJGZ8hIQT1ovhJZrHWrVFISLRmnFbasrTEY_f9cvV9Q68UdSO_IOxPkZWXmVXdudpvDQ/s1600/christopher-whalen-rugby-union-referee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsURk_RBKXytBwb0uohkHC6yUC9T06YDi5KvXtwUjaJQIcdIsp6j_wcstVhwcgjrPnXEJGZ8hIQT1ovhJZrHWrVFISLRmnFbasrTEY_f9cvV9Q68UdSO_IOxPkZWXmVXdudpvDQ/s1600/christopher-whalen-rugby-union-referee.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refereeing the scrum at Witney vs Amersham & Children, Saturday 17 April 2010.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I started refereeing rugby union in May 2005 when I did the basic foundation course at Oxford University RFC. I thought I could do a better job than many of the society referees who did the midweek college games in Oxford. A current Blue and one of my former teammates in the Oxford University U21s impressed me refereeing one of my college games. Jim Fleming, the former Scottish international referee, also inspired me. I used to read his column in <i>Scottish Rugby Magazine</i> and he refereed a couple of my games in Edinburgh when I was at school.<br />
<br />
I've been refereeing for 9 years. I started with only a handful of games in my first season, when I was still more interested in playing. I learned to drive in autumn 2007 so that I could referee better games outside of Oxford and go on exchanges. Since the beginning of 2008, I've been refereeing every Saturday during the season.<br />
<br />
During the summer, I stayed fit refereeing touch (aka touch rugby). I got to a high level with that, refereeing at two European Championships and one World Cup. But I gave that up at the end of this summer because I hated all the off-field politics and the people didn't make me happy. I also wasn't selected for this year's European Championships. This shocked me. It was disappointing and embarrassing. I was the top-ranked referee from England in 2012 and the 8th best in Europe. I didn't even make the top 72 this year! I still enjoyed refereeing on the field, but that wasn't enough to make up for all the other stuff I had to tolerate and deal with off it.<br />
<br />
When I gave up touch, I also started to think about my future as a rugby union referee. This isn't a sudden decision. I've been thinking about it for a year or two and have discussed it with a handful of people whose opinions I trust and value.<br />
<br />
Over the past couple of weeks, I've reached a decision.<br />
<br />
This is why I'm quitting refereeing:<br />
<br />
Because it doesn't make me happy. Because I don't like many of the people I meet. Because I won't get promoted above my current level. Because I don't want to become an assistant referee. Because I'm more excited by the prospect of spending my Saturdays with people I love. Because I want to go wild swimming and cycling and walking. Because I've refereed for 9 years and have passed the 7-year itch. Because I've given enough back to the game. Because I don't want to read the backlog of admin about regulations and directives and logic trees. Because I'm no longer on the Southern Federation. Because I don't have an official coach and won't get the same level of games. Because I won't get regular assessments. Because I got shunted around between 4 different coaches in 4 years. Because the one guy who stood up for me and got me good exchange fixtures is in Stoke Mandeville hospital rehabbing from a back injury. Because it would feel like a weight off my shoulders. Because the thought of quitting must come from somewhere.<br />
<br />
Finding out I'm not getting promoted on to the South-West Group took away a big part of my motivation. I'm disappointed I didn't get Level 5 league games while I was on my best form before Christmas over the past couple of seasons. It has been frustrating to see other referees get promoted ahead of me. I understand that I didn't excel in the 3 Level 5 league games I got towards the end of the season - two of them meaningless: 1 in 2012 and 2 in 2014. I'm also disappointed that the guy in charge of the South-West Group only ever watched me once in person back in 2010.<br />
<br />
I'm disappointed with the way I got dropped from the Southern Federation and that I didn't find out about it until late this summer. I feel cut off without an official coach and without anyone to fight my corner and get me good exchange appointments.<br />
<br />
I've come to realize over the past couple of seasons that I might not go any higher as a referee. At the last few South-West Group training days, I haven't liked the sound of what Levels 5, 4 and above are like. The extra stresses from coaches, players, spectators and match observers. The different values in the game. The extra travel and mid-week preparation that's required.<br />
<br />
The values thing is important to me. Why should I spend my time with people who don't share my values? There's also a hell of a lot of men involved in rugby and few women. No wonder the values get warped! The only women I've encountered over the past couple weeks at rugby have been barmaids, cooks and physios.<br />
<br />
Why is it that rugby is one of the few spheres of life where you can still get away with age discrimination? Referees get denied promotion because they are "too old". They were only in their early 40s. This is not tolerated in most other areas of modern society. Why should we tolerate it in rugby - a game run by "old farts" (retired amateurs)?<br />
<br />
I want to spend my Saturdays and holidays doing things that make me happy. And rugby doesn't make me happy anymore. It's become more of a habit that I just do because it has become part of my identity. I'm more excited to spend my Saturdays cycling, wild swimming, walking and talking with friends and family. I don't want to continue refereeing in Oxfordshire at a level that doesn't challenge me anymore.<br />
<br />
I spoke to someone on the national assistant referee panel and I wasn't excited by the sound of what it's like. The abuse you get from spectators. The people you have to deal with. The favouritism and age discrimination. The extra travel. All that doesn't appeal to me as much as getting my Saturdays back to do what I want to do. I am intrigued to see what it would be like as a regular assistant referee, but speaking to this guy made me realize it's not for me right now.<br />
<br />
The most common feedback I got as a referee is that I should smile more, that I don't look like I'm enjoying myself. Maybe they're right. Maybe I should be doing something else with my time that <i>does</i> make me smile. So that's what I'm going to do.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com8Oxford, Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726300000058551.594735899999996 -1.5804498000000584 51.9093059 -0.93500280000005853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-55957557445187839902014-10-09T20:40:00.000+01:002014-10-09T20:40:38.147+01:00How to fix "GfxUI has stopped working" in Windows VistaAnnoying, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Recently when fixing my friend's laptop - a battered old Acer Aspire 5738Z running Windows Vista - I kept seeing the "GfxUI has stopped working" error every time Windows booted up.<br />
<br />
I did the usual thing of Googling for a solution, but none of the proposed fixes such as updating the Intel graphics driver or flashing the BIOS worked for me.<br />
<br />
What did work for me was the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Uninstall all versions of Microsoft .NET.</li>
<li>Restart Windows.</li>
<li>Run Windows Update and reinstall all versions of Microsoft .NET and related patches.</li>
<li>Restart Windows.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Done.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This might not work for you, but it did for me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Incidentally, that laptop is the most fragrant computer I've ever encountered. It smells of wood! (My friend is a carpenter and uses his laptop in his workshop, so it's covered in sawdust.)</div>
Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com1Oxford, Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726300000058551.594735899999996 -1.5804498000000584 51.9093059 -0.93500280000005853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-7900678419552364452014-10-09T00:56:00.001+01:002014-10-09T01:09:10.965+01:00How to classify any animalMany years ago, my sister, <a href="http://nestledunderrainbows.blogspot.co.uk/">Laura Whalen</a>, and I came up with a new, simpler way of classifying animals. None of this kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus or species taxonomy nonsense. No more vertebrate or invertebrate. Screw your mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, insects and so on.<br />
<br />
There are only two kinds of animals: <b>weird dogs</b> and <b>weird cats</b>.<br />
<br />
Most animals (nearly all of them, in fact) are weird dogs.<br />
<br />
The only animals that aren't weird dogs, are dogs. They are weird cats.<br />
<br />
To help those of you who may struggle with this new binary classification system, I've designed a simple flow chart.<br />
<br />
You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLXTCMniH4BpRLEYuxjqoV39xncEJu-SsefwOt9j3nAXtZ4-z1ekL1EY-92oteZc4PGZySsgy4Y1X_jAv9a4o_VmFjoHZap8XEEZclLgGAl2P-v-ofTrvKr9ezhT8FsyQEl7YTg/s1600/How+to+classify+any+animal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to classify any animal flow chart" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLXTCMniH4BpRLEYuxjqoV39xncEJu-SsefwOt9j3nAXtZ4-z1ekL1EY-92oteZc4PGZySsgy4Y1X_jAv9a4o_VmFjoHZap8XEEZclLgGAl2P-v-ofTrvKr9ezhT8FsyQEl7YTg/s1600/How+to+classify+any+animal.png" height="284" title="How to classify any animal" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What about dinosaurs? Easy. They are weird dogs. This will help to smooth out any arguments between creationists and proponents of Darwin's theory of evolution.<br />
<br />
My good friend and former colleague, <a href="http://blog.afandian.com/">Joe Wass</a> (for it is he), suggested to me earlier today that I might want to expand my theory to include "horrible cats".<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en">
New scientific evidence, <a href="https://twitter.com/domeheid">@domeheid</a>. Expand your animal ontology. Add 'horrible cats' to 'weird dogs' and 'weird cats' <a href="http://t.co/qju9H4MyVV">http://t.co/qju9H4MyVV</a><br />
— Joe Wass (@joewass) <a href="https://twitter.com/joewass/status/519881115042316289">October 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
I don't think this is necessary. They are simply weird dogs. You may wish to call them "horrible weird dogs". But they're weird dogs all the same.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Oxford, Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726300000058551.594735899999996 -1.5804498000000584 51.9093059 -0.93500280000005853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-46771904392698240612014-09-27T00:49:00.000+01:002014-09-27T00:58:13.103+01:00Letters from America: USA diary 2014<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>I spent 9 days on holiday in San Francisco, Berkeley and Lake Tahoe in northern California, USA, visiting friends, eating the American way and watching sports. You can view <a href="http://on.fb.me/1rwN8k1">the best of my photos from the trip</a> in an annotated album on Facebook. You don't have to be logged in to see them.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Thursday 11 September 2014: Travel day</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early start at 03:30 to catch the 05:30 bus to Heathrow. Flight was delayed. Thought I might miss my connecting flight in Charlotte but it was OK in the end. Watched </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Draft Day</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lego Movie</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the transatlantic flight from Heathrow to Charlotte. Slept quite a bit. Pav was there in San Francisco to meet me. My bag didn't arrive. Probably due to the late arrival in Charlotte. We drove home in a Zipcar. Went out for dinner (burger, chips and Dr Pepper) at Garaje with Jay and Ninian, two of his colleagues. Had a really good sleep. I was exhausted.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Friday 12 September 2014: Day 1</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went for a grilled cheese breakfast with Pav at The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen. Walked to Blue Bottle Coffee for coffee and lemonade. Walked up some of the hills. Saw the street cable cars. Had lunch (chicken caesar salad and a shared cheesecake) at Cafe Divine near Washington Square Park. Walked through China Town. Had soft-serve vanilla ice-cream with gummy bears on top at the Ferry Building. Got an Uber back to Pav's place. Met Lucia, his wife, who was a bit grumpy at first because we kept her waiting. Went for dinner at a Thai restaurant called Basil (chicken satay skewers followed by beef stir-fry with rice).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went to the LA Dodgers at San Francisco Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. Giants won 9-0. We missed a home run in the bottom of the 7th when we were going for hot cocoa. D'oh! It turned out none of us actually wanted to leave but we all did because we thought the other person wanted to.</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Saturday 13 September 2014: Day 2</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walked to Pav's place. Lucia didn't join us for brunch at Stacks in Hayes Valley. Had macadamia nut and coconut pancakes with salted butter, maple syrup, bacon, orange juice and a smoothie. Such pancake. So bacon. Ate too much. Walked to the Caltrain station for the train to Stanford. Watched Army at Stanford. Stanford won 35-0. It was a lovely atmosphere - particularly all the tailgating and families. Lots of thoroughly decent people.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Had dinner at the Palo Alto Creamery Downtown (chicken and cheese enchilada and Dublin Dr Pepper - which is basically Dr Pepper but in a huge bottle - followed by a shared coconut milkshake). Felt bad about my greasy face and bad skin. Ate too much again. Bleugh. But started to feel a bit better after the milkshake, which really wasn't necessary. Walked around Palo Alto again then caught the slow train home. Spent the rest of the evening at the office.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sunday 14 September 2014: Day 3</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walked to Pav's. Had breakfast at Arlequin. Had granola and juice because I feel bad about my food choices. Felt awkward and was quiet today. Walked around and saw the Painted Ladies (pastel-coloured Victorian houses that survived the fires and earthquakes), the hippy neighbourhood in Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Got a good view from up in the observation tower at the de Young art museum. Got an Uber to the train station. Went to Bears at 49ers alone at the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Long journey via Mountain View (home of Google). Great atmosphere in the first half. Stood in between fans who screamed while the Bears' offense was on the field. Nothing like the weak-ass atmosphere for the International Series games at Wembley. Niners were up 17-0 but lost 28-20 after 4 Kaepernick turnovers and 16 penalties. Even longer journey home.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feel low in self-esteem but have figured out why: made to feel self-conscious about my bald patch when Pav mentioned it was red from the sun (have been wearing my Lake Erie Crushers baseball cap since); don't like having my picture taken when I feel disgusting from what I've been eating and with greasy, acned skin; I feel like a gooseberry; I feel like I've taken advantage of Pav's friendship for free accommodation; 4 sporting events is probably taking it too far; I don't feel I've got anything interesting to say when I feel like this. Been processing all this today with my time alone.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Monday 15 September 2014: Day 4</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Breakfast alone at Café Centro (croissant, tea and a free cookie for checking in on Yelp). Borrowed Pav's fixie bike (really a single-speed) and cycled to and over the Golden Gate Bridge. Really enjoyed the exercise and it made me feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Got the BART to Berkeley to spend a few days with Chad and his wife, Selena. Went for dinner at a Mexican place called La Mission on University Avenue. Chad gave me a tour of the UC Berkeley campus at dusk. I now realize that "Cal" and "Berkeley" are one and the same institution. Selena was home when we arrived. Spent the evening talking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tuesday 16 September 2014: Day 5</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Got up quite early. Had breakfast in a cafe in Berkeley (savoury brioche bun and orange juice). Hired a car from Avis. Chad refused the SUV we were offered for a smaller Toyota. Chad drove Selena and me to Muir Woods where we walked amongst the giant redwoods and hiked up to the top of the canopy. I left my iPhone in the car accidentally and therefore didn't take any photographs, but I don't mind because I was able to experience it more with my own eyes instead of the viewfinder. Besides, Chad and Selena were taking pictures that I might see someday. Then went for a swim at Muir Beach. My first swim in the Pacific Ocean. Got overwhelmed by a surprisingly big wave that temporarily drowned me. My experience in Rio helped me here: I didn't panic but kept paddling and held my breath until the wave had passed and I could swim and find my feet.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ended the day with dinner at Napa Valley Burger Co and a Lappert's coconut ice-cream in Sausalito. Pretty tired when we got back. In bed now at 21:22.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Wednesday 17 September 2014: Day 6</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lazy morning lying in bed listening to NFL podcasts. Left the house alone at midday. Walked to Saul's deli for pastrami on rye - recommended by Chad - a New York Jewish classic. Walked up to see the Cal football stadium then on up to the Botanical Garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Got dinner on the way home at Cheese Board Pizza, a workers' co-operative that only makes once kind of pizza per day. I got a whole pizza (with two free slices) so that I could share it with Chad and Selena. Met Chad at his house then went to the O.co Coliseum to see the Texas Rangers at the Oakland A's. Oakland pitched 8 scoreless innings and were 1 up before giving up 6 runs in the 9th. We had great seats. Enjoyed the game.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Thursday 18 September 2014: Day 7</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Met Megan Furman for breakfast. Had a waffle at the Guerilla Café. Then she gave me a tour of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology where she studies. Tried to help her with her broken laptop. She looked lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Met Pav and Lucia for lunch. Ate at the Crepevine. Drove to Lake Tahoe. There's a forest fire (called the King Fire) 50 miles away. The area is covered in smoke, which may spoil the views tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stocked up on pro-things at a local convenience store, then had chicken wings, a meaty pizza and lemonade for dinner at Basecamp Pizza in Heavenly Village. Annoying loud music from some guy playing guitar along to his backing track. I wish he'd stayed in his bedroom and left us in peace.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Friday 19 September 2014: Day 8</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went to Emerald Bay at the south end of Lake Tahoe. Hiked along to the north-west edge of the bay and back. Had a swim from the beach at Vikingsholm.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went for late lunch / dinner at the Blue Angel Café. Watched the sunset at Zephyr Cove, where I had another swim and was in the water when the sun went down.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100932005026619&set=a.10100932044028459&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christopher.whalen">Christopher Whalen</a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bought more pro-things from Safeway. Had hot chocolate, Pop Tarts and cookies back at the cabin. Planning to watch the sunrise with Pav tomorrow morning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Saturday 20 September 2014: Day 9</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Woke up at 05:30 to watch the sunrise at Meeks Bay with Pav. It was lovely. Had a swim shortly after the sun was up. Blissful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went in the hot tub back at the cabin. Had breakfast in the cabin and packed up.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went up the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. Nice views and it was interesting to see a ski resort in summer without any snow.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Had lunch at an American diner called Red Hut Cafe. Not the healthiest meal but tasty (rösti made from hashbrowns, bacon and cheese and a bottomless Dr Pepper). The soda containers were huge - just like some of the customers.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drove back from Lake Tahoe via Berkeley to drop off Chad's keys that I forgot to give him back. Got some cookies and tea at the Teacake Bake Shop (which doesn't actually sell English-style teacakes). Dropped Lucia back at their apartment then Pav took me back to the office. Said goodbye with - I think - 4 hugs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did some laundry and packed my bags, ready for an early start and a full day of travel home tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sunday 21 September 2014: Travel day</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left the office at about 08:10 and walked to Montgomery BART station on 2nd and Market. Got the train to the airport. Had my second breakfast (chicken caesar sandwich, fries and juice) in the departure lounge. Left on time. Read </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Book Thief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and slept on the flight to Philly. Caught the end of the Denver at Seattle game in the departure lounge: Seattle field goal; Denver touchdown drive and 2-point conversion from a drive that started with 0:59 remaining and no timeouts (vintage Peyton Manning); Seattle touchdown drive in overtime to win it. Had dinner (sad fried chicken strips and fries with dip and a lemonade) in an unfriendly Irish bar in the departure called Jack Duggan's Pub and watched the beginning of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday Night Football</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Pittsburgh at Carolina). Flight to London. Finished </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Book Thief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (a remnant from my last holiday in Rio: it was recommended by Emma Reading) and watched a bad movie called </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Neighbors</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Had the whole middle row to myself so stretched out and slept.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Monday 22 September 2014: Travel day</b></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Arrived at Heathrow and got an earlier bus home at 10:10. Walked home from Gloucester Green bus station. Unpacked soon after getting home (unusual for me). Backed up my iPhone 4S and updated to iOS 8. Late lunch. Watched Jacksonville at Washington and fell asleep on my bed after 16:00 with my black cat Milly on my chest. Woke around 20:00. Had dinner. Now in bed at 01:30. Back to work tomorrow.</span></div>
Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.373502 -123.06486250000002 38.176356999999996 -121.77396850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-58228537482578787942014-09-26T22:41:00.000+01:002014-09-27T00:16:19.283+01:00My 2013 10Q answersI've been doing this exercise in personal reflection every September <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2011/09/my-2010-10q-answers.html">since 2010</a> (see also my <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2012/09/my-2011-10q-answers.html">2011</a> and <a href="http://www.domeheid.com/2013/08/my-2012-10q-answers.html">2012 answers</a>).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1:</span></h2>
Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I went to Brazil for carnival in Olinda and Recife. I was really looking forward to it. I saw and heard some beautiful things when I was there but I also had depression. I found it stressful being there: lack of Portuguese made it hard to communicate with people; it was 35 degrees every day - a constant struggle to stay cool and hydrated; it's still a third-world country: they don't do pavements and getting into Recife by bus was so slow; I also spoilt it somewhat by developing a crush on the girl I was sharing a room with and then never having the guts to do anything about it until she got tired of me hanging around her.<br />
<br />
I'm still glad I went, but my memories are slightly tainted. By the end of my three weeks there I couldn't handle it anymore and stayed inside reading for the last 2-3 days after carnival. It was then that I came to terms with what I'd experienced and realized I had depression.<br />
<br />
I did have another spiritual experience, though: hearing what sounded like angels' voices during the Night of the Silent Drums in Olinda.<br />
<br />
I wonder how often my bouts of depression are related to girl trouble.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2:</span></h2>
Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></h3>
I wish I'd made more of an effort to learn Portuguese before going to Brazil. I had some CDs that I listened to in the car on the way to rugby sometimes and I went to Monday conversation meet-ups for a few weeks, but I soon realized that what I was learning was way too formal and only a tiny, tiny bit of vocabulary.<br />
<br />
What am I proud of? I quite like where my life is right now. I have lots of stuff to keep me busy and entertained, to keep the black dog away. I open myself up to experiences.<br />
<br />
I was quite chuffed to pass my yo-yo fitness test last week. I feel a bit chubby and I've got a weakness for snacks and treats too often but I reached the level that was expected of me - but nothing more.<br />
<br />
My mum makes me proud when we discuss what's going on in my life and she expresses admiration for the way I live my life, sucking up culture and experiences.<br />
<br />
I'm quite proud of the way I handled buying a new car. I figured out it was time to change after two years in a row of expensive repair bills after servicing. Instead of rushing into it, feeling pressured by Toyota's sales tactics, I took my time, saved up and ended up with a car I love with all the bells and whistles I could have wanted. I used the bank of mum and dad so I didn't even need a loan or a finance deal.<br />
<br />
I'm proud of the way I can talk myself out of spending money unnecessarily instead of buying things on impulse. If you don't buy straight away and just leave it for a few days, you realize you didn't really want or need the thing in the first place.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3:</span></h2>
Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
My parents are turning 60. We organized a get-together for the immediate family and cooked a barbecue. I don't think it has affected me much at all. Boring answer today, I know.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 4:</span></h2>
Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I don't think events in the world affect me that much.<br />
<br />
The civil war in Syria is increasing a demand for Syria-related keywords in Islamic Relief UK's Google Grants account. I don't feel 100% comfortable about exploiting that. That's the side of marketing I'm less keen about.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 5:</span></h2>
Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I was moved during the Night of the Silent Drums in Olinda, Brazil in the week before carnival in February. I just remember being moved almost to tears by how beautiful the singing was floating above the thunder of the drums. Maracatu has this amazing ability to get you "there". I was also feeling a bit shitty emotionally (girl trouble), so I was probably more vulnerable than usual, more prone to being moved by something like this.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 6:</span></h2>
Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I want to be promoted to the South-West Division as a referee by Christmas. That's my goal and it has been for the last three years or so. It's important to me because I think I'm ready for the challenge and I want to prove that I'm capable of refereeing at a higher level. I don't want to stagnate and I'm not sure what I'd do with my refereeing if I was turned down yet again.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 7:</span></h2>
How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
My life is pretty good right now. If I added stuff, I feel like I'd have to take other stuff away, or cut down to make time for it.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking about the usual stuff like getting more sleep; improving my diet; hardening up by body to look and feel better about myself; getting a girlfriend (I'm working on it).<br />
<br />
I would like to learn a bit more Portuguese before going to Brazil next year, but I'm not prepared to sacrifice any of my time currently spent watching and reading and listening about the NFL.<br />
<br />
Trying to remember the best piece of advice I've received. It would probably not be personal to me but something I read in the daily Moodscope emails.<br />
<br />
I may come back to this...<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 8:</span></h2>
Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in 2014?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I want to get to know Katie Nicholas a bit better. I like her, but I'm unsure if we're right for each other.<br />
<br />
I should probably spend some time getting to know Aiysha from Sol Samba. She said a few weeks ago she wanted to talk to me. Maybe she can see my issues. (She's a psychologist.)<br />
<br />
I need to choose a charity to give a regular donation to. I wanted to donate 0.7% or more of my gross personal product to charity: the UN target for GDP that countries are supposed to give in aid.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 9:</span></h2>
What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I'm still afraid of rejection, although I'm much better at acting on my feelings towards other people than I have been in the past.<br />
<br />
I don't have any big plans, but I'm going to try to be more spontaneous when I'm with other people that I like: to make a move when I have the thought about making a move.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 10:</span></h2>
When September 2014 rolls around and you receive your answers to your 10Q questions, how do you think you'll feel? What do you think/hope might be different about your life and where you're at as a result of thinking about and answering these questions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
I doubt much will change between now and September 2014. I know who I am and I'm comfortable with it. I accept it. I don't know if any of the things I'm aiming for right now will make me feel any better, any happier. If anything, they will just add to the fullness of my life; make it harder to fit everything in.<br />
<br />
I may be slightly embarrassed about what I've written. I may not be surprised that I haven't changed that much; that I still think about the same things.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 11:</span></h2>
What are your predictions for 2014?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">My answer:</span></span></h3>
War. Change of personal patterns. Group.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Record your own answers this year at <a href="http://www.doyou10q.com/">www.doyou10q.com</a>.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Oxford, Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726300000058551.594735899999996 -1.5804498000000584 51.9093059 -0.93500280000005853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-38926908263770897152014-03-01T00:08:00.001+00:002015-10-31T23:33:09.481+00:00Brazil diary 2014<i>I spent two weeks in Rio de Janeiro with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carnavaltransatlantico">Carnaval Transatlântico</a> from 9-23 February 2014 - the build-up to carnival. We are a carnival bloco made up of members of Nova Guarda from Birmingham, Ziriguidum from Bristol and Toque Tambor from Hitchin, led by J P Courtney. We had some amazing experiences together. Here's my diary, which I wrote to help me remember what happened when and with whom. I may return to update this later with (other people's) photos.</i><br>
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<b>Sunday 9 February: Travel day</b><br>
Flew from Heathrow. Four movies on the plane. Shared a bed with Emma Reading because there was only a double and not two twins.<br>
<br>
<b>Monday 10 February: Day 1</b><br>
Went out for breakfast and a bit of food shopping. Bought a TIM SIM card and set it up. Went out for a walk along Botafogo beach with Emma and Martin. Drink with Sam and others at a bar. Learned about the weird payment system with tally cards. Terrible dinner at Bar do Italiano. Waited for ages to get served - even for a drink. Shared bed with Emma again.<br>
<br>
<b>Tuesday 11 February: Day 2</b><br>
Email from J P checking I was OK. Walking tour of Carioca, Centro and Lapa. Learned that young people in body paint are students who have qualified for university and want beer money. Saw amazing coloured tiled steps. Feijoada lunch in Lapa. Terrible service again. Evening rehearsal with Monobloco in Copacabana. Loved having section leaders. Spent third night sharing a bed with Emma.<br>
<br>
<b>Wednesday 12 February: Day 3</b><br>
Best day in Rio so far. Emma moved out to Beth Chambers's room. Botanical Gardens with Emma and Martin. Hiked up to Christ the Redeemer with Emma. It was the hardest hike I'd ever done. I hit the red zone after 20 minutes due to Emma's fast pace. Took me about 50 minutes to recover but eventually got my second wind. Felt like quitting and turning back but I took my time. We reached the top in 1 hour 40 minutes! It usually takes 2-3 hours! It was so pleasing to have done it and we were rewarded with the most amazing views. Now every time I see Christ the Redeemer I can say I walked up there. Drinks near Botafogo metro after a shower. Feeling a glow of respect from the group. It's nice to feel noticed. First night with the double bed to myself.<br>
<br>
<b>Thursday 13 February: Day 4</b><br>
Lazy morning after late night from the buzz of climbing Christ the Redeemer. Message from Tantse asking what my plans were for the day. She has a boyfriend in the band, I think: Dave Walter. Got surdos ready and walked down to Be Happy Studios for rehearsal. There were no lights or power because a power cable was down. Classic Brazilian incompetence. Waited around for hours and then eventually felt Dunkirk spirit when we walked to a nearby park to rehearse. Funny taxi driver back to Mercure. Liked English rock music, James Bond and Mr Bean. Gig at Circo Voador. Amazing venue. Enjoyed watching people dance. There was one wee bald fat guy who had to work really hard to find a partner and looked sad and lonely until he did, but he was an amazing dancer and the ladies all enjoyed it. First third of set was the best stage gig I've ever done. Fucked up "Steal My Kisses" and we never had the same energy after that. Got taxi home straight after and helped take surdos back to Mercure.<br>
<br>
<b>Friday 14 February: Day 5</b><br>
Late night last night. Got up for breakfast and then went back to bed until 15:20. Went up the Sugar Loaf in cable cars to watch the sunset. Quick shower and then out to watch GRES São Clemente. The others got a bit scared when we went off to find food and drink. It wasn't a great area, but it was fine. Walked past the Sambadromo. Bar was a bit skanky. Rehearsal / show was great, although a bit smaller than I expected. Nice walk and chat with Emma from pub and while waiting for bloco to start. Didn't eat much today but feel fine.<br>
<br>
<b>Saturday 15 February: Day 6</b><br>
Slept late. Had a swim. Did laundry and shopping. Played at Encontro do Blocos. Had a great time and the crowd loved it and were really supportive. Had dinner at Japanese place in Botafogo. Went to Mangueira enseiao. It was mental: a big box of noise, colour and happiness.<br>
<br>
<b>Sunday 16 February: Day 7</b><br>
Went to Vasco da Gama vs Flamengo at the Maracanã stadium. Had some fun on the Metro with Dave Potter on the way there. It was impossible to change lines where we wanted and we couldn't even retrace our steps because the trains weren't going in the right direction; or they did and then went back again! Eventually gave up and got a taxi the rest of the way.<br>
<br>
Paid R$120 for my ticket (£30). Vasco scored first then Flamengo equalized with a controversial goal that didn't appear to have crossed the line. The assistant referee behind the goal gave it. TV apparently showed it 30cm over but they weren't showing replays in the stadium. The poor referee had to be escorted off the pitch by riot police at half-time when the Vasco players attacked him.<br>
<br>
I saw the most blatant act of cheating by Elano, the first Flamengo goalscorer: the referee had a little spray can to mark the spot for free-kicks and where the wall should stand. For one free-kick, the Vasco goalkeeper went down injured and while the referee turned his back, Elano wiped off the free-kick spot and moved the ball forward 2m! The cheek!<br>
<br>
Flamengo then scored the winner in the last minute. The atmosphere was great, even though there were only 13,000-16,000 in the stadium. They gave two figures but I'm not sure why. Both sets of fans mingled quite happily in our section: no need for segregation.<br>
<br>
We went on to the Sambadromo. It started to rain. We got soaked but I didn't mind. I was quite comfortable and stepped in time when I got cold. Saw Beija-Flor and Tijuca. Beija-Flor's bateria was better. The singing was amazing and the rows and rows of dancers just kept coming. There were about 250 in each bateria. The whole parade stretched most of the length of the Sambadromo.<br>
<br>
Brazil is a crazy country. So much is broken and frustrating but the people are warm and happy and they make beauty and noise and colour.<br>
<br>
J P joined in with some candomble players on the way back. I gave one a plaster for his finger which was bleeding from the drum. If I end up with AIDS or hepatitis A or B, that might be why.<br>
<br>
Had late dinner at Bar do Italiano in Botafogo. Much better second time round, although they still forgot half my order.<br>
<br>
Returned to hotel with Fiona.<br>
<br>
The lifts are out of order and there is no wi-fi. Standard.<br>
<br>
<b>Monday 17 February: Day 8</b><br>
Lazy, relaxing day. Slept till midday. Had a long swim in the pool. Had dinner at a kilo restaurant on Rua São Clemente. Watched a gig at a public square in Lapa by Estratégia. They played a lot of funk. It was good and got better when it started to rain. Led a procession to drinks at a bar in Lapa called Antonio's. Early-ish night: it's now 02:36!<br>
<br>
<b>Tuesday 18 February: Day 9</b><br>
Went to Copacabana with Chris Dobbie. It was beautiful to swim in the sea. We meant to go to Ipanema but took a wrong turn coming out of the station. Should have checked the map. I assumed Chris knew where he was going. The waves were huge but we started at a place with no red flags so we could swim. Walked all the way along to the north end of the beach and then back through the tunnel to Botafogo. Burnt the top of my feet because I was wearing flip-flops. Didn't put suncream on my feet when I came out the water because I was covered in sand and we walked through the water. Tough one to prevent. Must have happened on the walk home. Had lunch in my apartment. Snoozed. Then had a swim in the pool with Emma. Dinner at same kilo then watched J P's gig at Carioca da Gema in Lapa. In the band were Paul Baxter, Sam Tomkins, Jackson Lapes, Fabio Allman, Pepe and the cavaquinho player, whose name I don't know. Most of the band were there to support. Good night. It's now 02:36 (again!) but I still need my bedtime shower.<br>
<br>
<b>Wednesday 19 February: Day 10</b><br>
No one wanted to go to Ipanema or cycle round the lagoon with me so I tagged along with Betchy, Carol and Ali in town. Browsed in the music and carnival accessories shops at Carioca. Had lunch at the Confeitura Colombo, a grand colonial tea room. Visited the cathedral (upturned bucket). It was beautiful. Glad I cultivated my spiritual side. The building made me look up all the time. The statues at the side entrances formed silhouettes in the light. Jesus' fingers were rubbed shiny by people touching them, like the lions' noses in Munich. Dinner at Rio Scenarium in Lapa - a wonderful building full of curious collections of old stuff. Then led the group to the Portela rehearsal far out in Madureira. It was worth the mission of a journey. Half inside, half outside venue. The people were so welcoming. Blue and white. Little colonial buildings on one side, like a little village. Stayed on to listen to some samba at a bar outside. I'm happy.<br>
<br>
<b>Thursday 20 February: Day 11</b><br>
Woke by my alarm at 09:00 but slept until 10:15. Went to Barra to play a gig at the British School, where Pepe teaches. I was the bus monkey, making sure everyone was there. Had a nice chat to Kathy on the way there. She's lovely. Didn't enjoy the gig as much as the earlier ones. Playing to school kids, who had a workshop earlier in the day and joined in with us for "Get Lucky". Surdos weren't well tuned. I need to take care of my own tuning in future. Sat by myself on the way home. Chatted to Malcolm behind me for a bit. Rested and had a swim in the pool. Fiona saw the blister on my sunburnt foot and said I had second degree burns and need to take care of it. Then went out to see maracatu at Largo do Machado. The bateria was called Tambores de Olokun. Met a couple of guys in the bar beforehand, next to the shop (Maracatu Brasil) where I bought straps, beater, surdo key and triangle for R$202 (£52). It was good to hear maracatu. It brought back memories of last year. It doesn't fill me with joy like samba does. Got metro home with Emma afterwards. We are planning to go to Ipanema tomorrow at 09:00.<br>
<br>
<b>Friday 21 February: Day 12</b><br>
Met Emma at 09:00 and spent the day at Ipanema beach together, just the two of us. Bliss. Had a lovely time in long conversation. I love talking to her. Had lunch in between two swims (chicken, of course: Emma's favourite). Left at 15:30. Went to Lapa for TV news shoot at the Fundiçao Progresso at 18:20. Dinner in Lapa (below average). Then had gig with Monobloco at the Fundiçao Progesso. Amazing venue but acoustics were a bit too booming. I was right under some speakers on the right edge. My surdo buddy played the wrong funk and I followed him. I made about 5 errors in total. Enjoyed it, but I should have done more prep. Left about 03:00-ish. My burnt left foot was tender. Blister has got bigger. It's now 05:15. Big day tomorrow: our street set but we're no longer parading.<br>
<br>
<b>Saturday 22 February: Day 13</b><br>
Woke late. Went to Lapa about 15:00 for the final gig. Bit of waiting around. Had a snooze on the gym mats at the Fundicão Progresso. Did the sound check and then played a gig by the arches in Lapa. It was a bit of an anti-climax. We didn't play great and J P wasn't up like at Circo Voador and Encontro do Blocos. I couldn't feed off his energy. Crowd was a bit disappointingly small. Took drums back then had afterparty. I was tired but still had a decent time when talking to people. Went on to Bar do Italiano. Stayed up all night and went to Copacabana with Emma for the sunrise. She took a bit of persuading, but we're both glad we did it. It was beautiful. The setting was stunning. Got hassled by three young guys who wanted money. Emma gave them a Rizzler and they eventually went away. They had us both worried. I thought we were getting a gentle mugging. Didn't spoil it too much. Went for a swim after the sunrise. Lovely way to end the holiday. Left about 07:00. Had a shower at the hotel and I'm now lying on my bed at 08:19. May have a quick nap before packing.<br>
<br>
<b>Sunday 23 February: Day 14</b><br>
Slept a couple of hours until after 10:00. Had breakfast and packed until just after midday. Checked out of the Mercure, stored bags and went to Emma and Betchy's room. Had a snooze, still tired after the sunrise. Booked Ocado delivery. Went out for dinner at the kilo place. Had a small leaving drinks party in the reception, thrown by Aldo, who has taken a liking to us. Got the bus to the airport. Moved up to sit beside Emma when she woke after a snooze and enjoyed the view out the window together. Flew home. Sat by myself by the window next to an elderly couple. Watched <i>Enough Said</i>, slept, got up for the toilet and a stretch, then watched <i>Sunshine on Leith</i>.<br>
<br>
<b>Monday 24 February: Travel day</b><br>
On arrival at Heathrow, gave everyone a hug goodbye at baggage reclaim. Emma forgot her suitcase and had to come back through security to get it. I had noticed - first assuming she was at the toilet - and waited for her. Had a coffee with her. Dave Wells and Maggie joined us later. So I'm back from Brazil, writing this on the bus back to Oxford. Tired, a bit emotional, but full of happy memories and experiences.<br>
<br>
Back home I unpacked everything and started four loads of washing. My Ocado delivery (ordered from an apartment bed in Rio) arrived after 18:00. Discovered that my car's wing mirror on the driver's side is missing. No sign of it being smashed. Appears to have been stolen or vandalized. Went to bed before midnight.<br>
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<b>Tuesday 25 February</b><br>
Worked from home so I could get my car's wing mirror fixed. Feeling the post-holiday blues pretty badly. I feel crushed. I miss the joy and happiness of Rio, the people (both local and in the band), the sunshine, warmth, swimming, music, camaraderie. Finding it hard to adjust to life back down here. No enthusiasm for work today. Fell asleep in my chair after dinner cuddling Jojo, even though I felt like going to bed then, the cats probably prevented me. Slept for at least 2.5 hours in the chair! In bed now at 00:11. Have been writing since before midnight. Might end this diary here. All washing done and hanging up to dry. Sol Samba rehearsal tomorrow. Hard come-down. Thankful for a holiday of joy and wonder and love of all kinds.Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Botafogo, Rio - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.952251856899817 -43.189702314202862-22.952708856899818 -43.190332814202861 -22.951794856899816 -43.189071814202862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-16505741086813910062014-01-23T10:28:00.000+00:002014-01-23T10:31:02.357+00:00How Bradley Wiggins can improve your website<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/30337886?rel=0" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="427"> </iframe>
<p>Here are the slides from my microslot talk at <a href="http://oxford.geeknights.net/ogn34/">Oxford Geek Nights #34</a> last night. Download the slides to see my presenter notes.</p>Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710391.post-61524970935345686412013-12-12T20:13:00.000+00:002013-12-19T12:47:04.017+00:00CharityComms web effectiveness workshopHere are a selection of Tweets from the <a href="http://www.charitycomms.org.uk/events/web-effectiveness-workshop">CharityComms web effectiveness workshop</a> held at Friends House in London on Thursday 12 December 2013. I gave a talk on <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/CharityComms/christopher-whalen-latest">"Analytics tips and tricks"</a>.
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Christopher Whalenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11750165791396550554noreply@blogger.com0Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 6ED, UK51.7620343 -1.269885299999941751.7608058 -1.2724067999999418 51.763262800000007 -1.2673637999999416