Meanwhile, somewhere in the Mediterranean…
Mom: Where r u, I don’t see any postings from you.
Sina: I’m in Santorini.
Mom: Just every 3 days send me an email please. thanx.
Sina: I don’t think I’ll be doing that.
Mom: You don’t have a choice.
Sina: Oh Mom. I’m Sina, your improbable, youngest child. In all things in life, I always have a choice.
Alternate Title: “Rule 5, yo.”
“It’s as if we’re all gonna die on August 2nd.”
Student: Can I ask you your sign?
Sina: My sign? Like astrology?
Student: Ummm, I think…like, uhhh
Sina: You mean, like Capricorn or something?
Student: Yeah!
Sina: Oh it’s Virgo. Why?
Student: I wanted to see if I was accurate.
Sina: What did you think I was?
Student: Aries. Because you’re enthusiastic.
Sina: Hahaha. That’s a nice compliment actually.
I spent last weekend dog-sitting. It was fun! Here are some takeaways.
Pros:
– Lots of funny things happen — straight out of a sitcom.
– Lots of friendly strangers start conversations with you. Girls especially.
– Companionship: I can’t see why anyone with a dog would ever feel lonely.
Cons:
– Caring for a dog is full of inconvenience. You can’t stay out too long without coming back to go for a walk. If you want to go somewhere that’s too far to walk, forget the hassle of public transit.
– Lots of strangers start conversations with you. Like geez, just leave me alone, I’m just walking my dog.
– There is so much dog hair — everywhere.
BONUS TIP: Young single men, delete your Tinder app and get a dog. You are welcome.
Rule 18: You become what you measure.
How you measure success determines where you go because you optimize your choices around it, affecting your thought process and decision making on a daily basis. It is important that you choose a measure that is in line with where you want to end up — with who you want to be, completely. It must be explicitly linked to what you really want.
Rule 19: You have no responsibility whatsoever to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish.
It is their mistake, not your failing. RPF.
Rule 20: Having an opinion is hard work.
You must know the other arguments as well as the biggest supporters do. And you must be willing to change your mind as you learn.
Rule 21: You cannot selectively numb.
When you numb sorrow, sadness or anger, you are also numbing joy, excitement, calmness and love. Be careful. Numbing comes in various forms: drugs, food, work, perfectionism, solitude.
Rule 22: The purpose of life is connection.
Connection gives purpose and meaning to our lives. Shame is simply the fear of disconnection. Connection requires you to fully embrace vulnerability.
Rule 23: Be vulnerable.
Vulnerability is essential to connection and wholehearted living. Vulnerability is the core of shame, fear, and worthiness, but it is the birthplace of joy, creativity, love and connection. Beware of numbing. Joy is the most vulnerable emotion because embracing it means accepting its inevitable loss. Focus on gratitudes, not on rehearsing tragedy.
All night, baby.
2014 was a year of…
· Love in the future.
· Is that really it? Worth it.
[UPDATED]
Also, I:
· Delved deep into Bitcoin.
· Couldn’t find a new job.
· Moved back home.
· Cooked a lot.
· Especially for people I love.
· Which led to Love in the Future.
· Realized my love for Hamilton.
· Bonded with the most amazing family.
[UPDATED]
My mantra for 2014 was “What are you waiting for?”
My mantra for 2015 will be “You’ve got to be willing to crash and burn.”
Fettuccine. Butternut squash, porcini mushrooms, ginger-cream sauce.
Finished with fried sage and edible flowers.
Bonus:
