...

The desolation is apparent...

Looking Back

It's already been 2 months since I last made a post, so I haven't really made much progress on my resolutions.  Looking back, most of these resolutions still remain waiting to be resolved.  In fact, the only ones I seem to have made progress on are #5 (volunteer) and #11 (attempt to progress in these resolutions).  Unfortunately the progress made on these are entirely involuntary.  The "volunteer" resolution has only happened because I have yet to find a permanent paid position and so I continue to volunteer where I currently am.  The latter resolution is progressing because the only thing I can do so far is attempt to progress.

Actually, I have tried to find another hobby to occupy myself with.  I play some online poker, but I can't really say that is a hobby...it is more like a way to pass time.  Other than that, nothing so far.

Oh well, hopefully I update myself on what is happening in my life more frequently...

2011 Resolutions

1.  Find a permanent paid position.
2.  Continually "hone" writing skills.
3.  Post more.
4.  Exercise more.
5.  Volunteer.
6.  Read more.
7.  Be nicer!
8.  Eat healthier.
9.  Stay more socially connected, i.e. keep in contact with peeps.
10.  Find another hobby.
11.  Attempt to progress in these resolutions...

- photo by Cameron Moll

One Goal (+1 FAILED) Among Others...

an appropriate title for an inappropriate post...

Looking back at my previous goal, noting that it was posted in October, and seeing that this is the very next post...it's clear.  I've spectacularly ("fabulously" for those so inclined) failed in my objective to post something every day.

Perhaps the titanic pressure lurking in the shadows of that once-thought-attainable goal was too much.  Perhaps it was the waiting and grinding of job searches, bar results, and profiteering that did me in.  Regardless of the reason, the constant writer in me never materialized and that is that.

However, I did pass the California Bar Exam.  And the MPRE.  And its possible to debate as to which was tougher.

Just thought it was worth mentioning...and hopefully I'll come up with more novel ideas or goals to fail in a big way.

One Goal Among Others

Also,

I've mentally committed to writing a blog post (among any of my various blogs) once a day (Monday through Friday only...) no matter what.

I will undoubtedly fail.

But still worth trying, since I hear writing every day helps develop writing skills/style...and that's something I am in desperate need of.

This one counts for 2010.10.13 - good night.

Water & Blog Action Day

According to change.org,

"Right now, almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. That's one in eight of us who are subject to preventable disease and even death because of something many of us take for granted."

Although I have an issue with the precision of their statement (what exactly constitutes clean, safe drinking water? and how close to one billion is "almost?"), the words they say did have a deep impact on me.  Water is something most of us in the United States take for granted.  The fact that we have polemic arguments as to the safety of tap water and the advantages of filtered water or the fact that we contribute to the growing pollution of our planet by constantly touting and praising the virtues of bottled water really seem quite trite in comparison.  I mean, 1 of 8 worry about having enough to drink (which doesn't even begin the conversation in terms of eating, clothing, housing, etc.).

However, I don't expect this "blog action day" to change the habits of 99% of those involved.  We as a people, as a developed society, are too accustomed to the comforts that our place in life places in front of us.  And who can really blame us for what we take for granted?  Not to detract from the issue of water (at least not too much), but the majority of people and the vast majority of the world really looks to benefit themselves first.

Disappointing I know.

But hopefully, through raising the issue of water on blog action day, which is actually on Friday the 15th (2010.10.15), we can at least come to terms with the harsh realities that some human beings on this world have to deal with on a daily basis.  Hopefully, this realization and the self-reflection that may or may not follow, can lead to greater things.

Idealistically, planning a blog action day on water issues would catalyze the developed (and developing) states to action and alleviate the thirst of almost one billion people.  As a realist/pragmatist, I hope that it can accomplish at least a bit of its goal as well as start the churning of self-reflection and self-realization for some people...a process that may lead to a better outlook for our children and the world.

Reprieve & Release

As I mentioned in my previous post, I started work this past Wednesday.  After having gone through 3 days of work (although the first day was a bit low-key), I am starting to get the feel of the organization.  Here are a few observations about it:

(1)  non-profit does not always equal less work - although this organization may be more laid-back than other for-profit places I have worked in, there is definitely a lot of work being done and a lot of movement behind the scenes. you imagine a non-profit as a place to work from 10-4 and get home early.  i guess that would be true for someone who doesn't have passion for their work...here, it may be a 10-6 or a 10-9 or anything in between depending on what needs to get done for the person to be satisfied in their day's work...

(2)  who you know is important (maybe even more important) than what you know - this point is one that has been dawning on me since I went on the job hunt...in the type of economy where jobs are scarce and seekers are aplenty, what you know really isn't that important; rather, who you know and who can vouch for you are really the way to get somewhere.  this is apparent even within the organization itself.  although this organization doesn't advertise its socks off in order to gain recognition, the organization does high-level (and respectable) work because the network the organization has built and nurtured has a wide net.  it is akin to a MLB baseball team that has a strong farm system; no matter the condition of the economy or professional field, this organization can build and create quality content/work because of the resources and connections it has at its disposal...

(3)  work really makes you get to know yourself.  maybe because i've grown too comfortable in my environment or maybe because i've been in school my entire life, but i could honestly say that my work ethic left much to be desired in terms of fulfilling my potential (in my own eyes).  now that i am free of the leash of school (or the support of school...i wonder which it is), perhaps my work ethic and desire to get things done is maturing.  whatever the reason, i arrive home satisfied in my day's productivity and activity and this makes me...happy...

Of course, this isn't to say that I won't be enjoying my weekend.  Getting into working (and getting up at 8am everyday) has taken its toll on me and I need all the reprieve I can get so I can return on Monday fit enough to work to my heart's satisfaction.

Ya'll have a great weekend,
Glugs